For busy professionals, this is as good as it gets: a warm, deeply nourishing bowl of chickpeas and spinach that comes together in minutes — and a cool, caffeine-free frozen drink to keep your energy steady and sugar-free.
Quick Chickpeas with Spinach
Serves: 3 | Time: ~25 minutes
Tags: Anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, vegan adaptable
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (lightly toasted and ground)
- ½ teaspoon salt (preferably kosher), more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable stock or water
- A pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, ~5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, tomato paste, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, stock/water, and cayenne. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in spinach, a handful at a time, until wilted. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust salt, cayenne, and finish with cracked black pepper. Serve warm with a lemon wedge or over a spoonful of yogurt if desired.
Hopium Tips:
- Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein.
- For an Indian twist, add ½ tsp garam masala in step 2.
- Make it vegan by skipping the yogurt garnish and using water or veggie stock.
Frozen Mint & Ginger Cucumber Cooler
Zero sugar. Zero alcohol. Big chill.
Serves: 2 | Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup water or coconut water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: A pinch of pink salt or a few chia seeds for extra hydration
Instructions
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Pour into glasses over crushed ice or freeze into granita.
- Garnish with a mint sprig or a cucumber ribbon.
Why it works:
- Ginger reduces inflammation
- Cucumber and mint cool the system
- Lime supports liver function
- No sugar = no crash
Why This Meal Works for Busy Professionals
- Chickpeas give you plant protein + B vitamins for steady energy.
- Spinach is rich in magnesium and iron — both vital for fighting fatigue.
- Cumin and cayenne gently stimulate digestion and metabolism.
- The frozen drink hydrates, refreshes, and offers mental clarity without stimulants or spikes.
Breath, Food, and Flow
To quote Yogananda: “A calm mind is the foundation of all success.”
Before you eat, take 3 slow breaths. Thank your food. Let digestion begin in peace.
Hopium Health is where your kitchen meets your clinic, your breath meets your brain, and your plate becomes your prescription.
