Are you in need of a delicious, filling, and nutritious meal that is full of flavor? Look no further than the delicious chickpea! A fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other nutrients to support your overall health, chickpeas are incredibly versatile. The possibilities with chickpeas are endless! You can use them for anything from salads to curries to snacks. In this blog post, we will break down 10 sensational chickpea recipe ideas that you need to try. Whether it’s midweek family meals or plant-based entertaining ideas, these mouth-watering dishes will truly surprise you with their incredible flavors. So let’s get cooking!
Introducing Chickpeas
The chickpea is a round, beige-colored legume with a deliciously nutty flavor and slightly grainy texture. They’re also incredibly versatile and nutritious, making them a great addition to any healthy diet. People have consumed chickpeas for over 7,500 years, and they originated from the Mediterranean. For many years, they were a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Nutritional studies have found that chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and folic acid. “Garbanzo beans” is another name for chickpeas.
Tips for Storing and Cooking Chickpeas
Storing:
- Dried chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
- Cooked chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days.
- You can also freeze cooked chickpeas for up to six months. Just make sure to label and date the container.
Cooking:
- Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them overnight in plenty of water before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time.
- To cook the chickpeas, you can use a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or a regular pot on the stove. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender.
- If you want to add flavor to the chickpeas, you can cook them with bay leaves, garlic, onions, or other herbs and spices.
- Chickpeas can also be roasted in the oven for a crunchy snack or added to salads, soups, stews, and curries.
Recipe ideas for using chickpeas
With their mild taste and distinctive texture, chickpeas can be used in a variety of dishes in both sweet and savory applications. Canned chickpeas are a convenient source of dietary fiber and protein and are inexpensive to purchase compared to animal sources of protein.
Try these delicious ideas
Curried Chickpea Wraps – Combine cooked chickpeas with garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Then stuff into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and diced red onions for a delicious and nutritious lunch wrap!
Hummus Toast – Spread store-bought or homemade hummus on toasted whole-grain bread. Then top with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower plus thinly sliced cucumbers & tomatoes; drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs!
Spiced Lentil & Chickpea Stew – Simmer cooked lentils & chickpeas in vegetable broth alongside chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots until tender. Season to taste with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and thyme for a satisfying meal packed with flavor & nutrition.
Veggie Bowl – Mix cooked quinoa or brown rice together with roasted chickpeas and sautéed artichoke hearts. Top this bowl off by sprinkling feta cheese crumbles over top then finish it off by squeezing fresh lemon juice over everything! Add some crumbled walnuts on the side for added crunch if desired.
Falafel Wraps – Blend together cooked chickpeas & spices (feel free to use your favorite flavors such as cinnamon & nutmeg). Then form into falafel balls and fry them in oil. Once cooked, stuff them into warmed pita pockets or a wrap. Serve alongside freshly diced cucumbers, tomatoes & tahini sauce for an enticing lunch!
Spinach Salad Power Bowl – Top a bed of fresh spinach or lettuce leaves & diced red onions with avocado slices, roasted sesame seeds, and chickpeas for an energizing power bowl full. This meal is packed full of essential vitamins & minerals from the greens plus plenty of protein from the beans!
Chickpea Crackers – Make crackers out of blended cooked chickpeas mixed together with quinoa flour; shape into thin crackers on baking sheets before baking till light golden in color; serve atop salads or just enjoy alone as a savory snack!
Smoky Bacon-Flavored Crispy Chickpeas – Toss a can of rinsed chickpeas in olive oil then sprinkle liberally with smoked paprika parmesan cheese before baking till crunchy; serve alongside salads as an excellent boost of protein.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Chickpeas – Mix canned rinsed chickpeas in melted butter plus garlic powder, black pepper, parmesan cheese shavings plus finely chopped parsley then bake in the oven until golden brown.
Chickpea Noodle Soup – Simmer chickpeas, carrots, spinach, and your choice of noodles (such as spaghetti or linguine) in vegetable broth for a comforting soup that is packed with protein & iron; feel free to season with your favorite herbs & spices like oregano or rosemary for added flavor. Explore our ONE-POT QUINOA CHICKPEA SPINACH SOUP.
Looking for help with nutrition and meal planning?
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