Milkshakes always hit the spot, whether you get one at a restaurant, a diner or an ice cream shop—but have you ever heard of a milkshake made with chickpeas?

The Hummus and Pita Co. serves all manner of Greek-inspired delights to a hungry fanbase across New York City, but the Chickpea Chillers are a real unique star. These vegan milkshakes include five natural ingredients; chickpeas, tahini, banana, dates and almond milk; whipped up in a variety of flavors including original, cold brewed coffee, pistachio, butter pecan, strawberry, chocolate and toasted almond.

“We love getting creative by playing with different ways to incorporate chickpeas on our menu," says owner Dave Pesso who first crafted the Chickpea Chiller recipe. "It's one of the best plant-based proteins as it is a nutrient-dense food and high in protein and fiber. It is also a very malleable ingredient that can be used to replace other ingredients that have similar textural qualities without being overwhelming in taste.”

See also: Weekly Recipe: Roasted Chicken with Pan Bread, Fennel and Salsa Verde from the Musket Room

“While the idea of a chickpea-based milkshake might sound a little unconventional, the folks that have tried the Chickpea Chillers have truly become diehard fans," he continues. "This dish is amazing because, in addition to being delicious, it is the perfect substitute for many people that have food allergies and restrictions as it is 100 percent vegan, gluten-free, and all natural with no added sugars. So, while the Chickpea Chiller is void of any of the bad stuff that other milkshakes are full of, there is absolutely no sacrifice of taste or indulgence.”

Pesso shared with us the exact recipe for his chickpea wonders in flavors of original, pumpkin spice and toasted almond, so you can make them and see for yourself.

“The Pumpkin Spice flavor is made with real pumpkin which is just what is needed for the season’s palate," Pesso says, "and the Toasted Almond is an ode to the nostalgic taste of Good Humor Ice Cream that you’d find on every neighborhood ice cream truck in the '20s.”

If you want to drink a healthy milkshake without dairy, these recipes are for you!

Original Chickpea Chiller

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine)
• ¼ cup pure tahini
• 1 large frozen banana (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 large Medjool dates (remove pit and chop into paste) OR 1 tbsp date syrup
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Drop of pure vanilla
• Optional - ice cubes

Instructions:

Add all ingredients into a blender, mix, and enjoy. Makes 20 oz.

Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Chickpea Chiller

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine)
• ¼ cup pure tahini
• 1 large frozen banana (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 large Medjool dates (remove pit and chop into paste) OR 1 tbsp date syrup
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Drop of pure vanilla
• 1 ½ tbsp pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ tbsp pumpkin spice syrup (THPC uses Monin)
• Optional - ice cubes

Instructions:

Add all ingredients into a blender, mix, and enjoy. Makes 20 oz.

Seasonal Toasted Almond Chickpea Chiller

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine)
• ¼ cup pure tahini
• 1 large frozen banana (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 large Medjool dates (remove pit and chop into paste) OR 1 tbsp date syrup
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Drop of pure vanilla
• 3 tbsp almond syrup (THPC uses Monin)
• Sprinkle of chopped almonds on top to garnish
• Optional - ice cubes

Instructions:

Add all ingredients into a blender, mix, and enjoy. Makes 20 oz.

Check out The Hummus and Pita Co.’s website for more menu information and future locations opening soon.