Lunch: Fried Chickpea and Arugula Pita Sandwiches with Lime Tzatziki

With flavors reminiscent of a falafel, Fried Chickpea and Arugula Pita Sandwiches with Lime Tzatziki take less work, are tasty with lots of texture, and an easy weeknight meal to put together.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Fried Chickpea and Arugula Pita Sandwiches with Lime Tzatziki

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
5/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cucumber (about 8 ounces), peeled, seeded, and shredded
6 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas, halved
2 (15-ounce) cans organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons Spanish smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 cups loosely packed arugula
12 (1/4-inch-thick) tomato slices

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °.
Combine yogurt, mint, lime juice, 1/8 teaspoon salt, garlic, and cucumber in a small bowl.
Wrap pitas in foil; bake at 350 ° for 10 minutes or until warm.
Place chickpeas in a single layer on paper towels. Cover with additional paper towels; pat dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add chickpeas to pan; sauté 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy, stirring frequently. Remove chickpeas from pan using a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, and red pepper in a medium bowl; toss well to coat.
Combine remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add arugula; toss gently to coat. Add chickpea mixture; toss to coat.
Fill each pita half with about 2/3 cup chickpea mixture, 1 tomato slice, and 2 tablespoons sauce. Serve immediately.

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