Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are an incredibly versatile, and not to mention delicious ingredient. They are good in both hot and cold dishes and often come stewed, or smooshed. Chickpeas are also perfect in vegetarian dishes as an alternative source of protein. You can buy them dried, canned, or in a jar, and they can be stored for many months. This makes them a perfect addition to your store cupboard.
Chickpeas offer a variety of health benefits. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also great for weight loss as they improve digestion. They’re also a healthy source of protein and filling addition to any meal. Many chickpea recipes are quick and simple as well. Here are 3 exciting things you can try with chickpeas.
Hummus
Hummus is probably the most popular chickpea dish in the world. The Mediterranean classic dip if perfect for all occasions. Check out this recipe for hummus for an authentic middle-eastern flavor. The great thing about hummus is that it goes with everything. Try warming up some pitta bread, or the classic chilled crudités. No mezze platter is complete without a nice big dollop of hummus. Serve it with a light drizzling of extra virgin olive oil, and enjoy.
Spanish Chickpea Stew
There are several variations on this class Madridleño dish. In Spain, chickpeas are often served as an ingredient to bulk out tasty stews. You can try your own ideas, but here is the more traditional recipe. Take a large pot or slow cooker and add meat of your choice, try pork belly and chorizo for example. Add a can of chickpeas and season with bay leaves, a couple of spoons of paprika, and leave to stew. These easy casseroles are great for those of you without much cooking experience. You can’t go wrong with a delicous one-pot meal.
Honey Roasted Chickpea Butter
This unusual, yet simple recipe is a sort of cross between peanut butter and hummus. Its delicious roasted chickpea flavor makes a perfect topping for toast and crusty bread. The method is similar to that of homemade nut butter, but in the case of chickpea butter, the beans are roasted for a deeper flavor. The addition of cinnamon and honey make it a sweeter option for your breakfast table.
The chickpeas are first roasted in a little oil for 20 minutes, then left to cool. They are then blended into a fine powder. Add a big tablespoon spoon of honey, and 4 tablespoons of ghee. You can substitute ghee for other fats if you like. Season the mix with cinnamon and salt as you blend. It’s better to add the other ingredients to the chickpea paste gradually, tasting as you go.
Once your butter is how you like it, you can eat it straight away, or store it in the cupboard for later. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It’s should last a few months if it’s kept cool, treat it the same as you would peanut butter.
