It really does depend on your consultant. Mine is like yours, she doesn't "allow" it as a free food and if we do have it we are told to be careful with it as the theory is that when cous cous and chick peas are free, they are not meant to be in a cake.
However, some consultants do allow it!!
I would say that if you have it in moderation, and it does not affect your weight loss, then there isn't a problem.
I have it very occassionally and don't tell my consultant!!