Diet easier with the nutritional powerhouse that is the garbanzo bean (AKA Chickpeas). Loaded with protein and fiber, these legumes offer a satisfying option for those on weight loss journeys or enriching meatless recipes. It’s a filling cheat code for adding nutrients into your meals. This is: “Why We Love Chickpeas!”
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Why We Love Chickpeas
What is a Chickpea?
Chickpea, also known as garbanzo beans, are legumes that originated in the Mediterranean basin around what is present day Turkey. Estimated to have been cultivated as early as 9000 BCE, they have been used in ancient recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Source: USDA, Image from Google.
Many might know this legume as the main ingredient in hummus and many other Middle-Eastern delicacies.
It’s also a hearty staple in vegan and vegetarian dishes for its:
- High protien
- Dietary Fiber
- Healthy Carbs
- Plant-Based
- Flavor Versatility
Low Carb Flour Substitute
Gluten-free, Low Carb, Low Calorie, High Protein
Chickpea Flour is often used in Mediterranean cooking such as flatbreads and to thicken stews. It contains more protein and nutrients than wheat flour, while also being low carb and low calorie.
Chickpea pasta is an excellent substitute for dieting.
Banza makes pasta in every shape: shells, elbow, spaghtetti, and more.
Each 2oz serving (dry) contains 11g of protein, 35g carbohydrates, 5g dietary fiber.
They even make stovetop Mac & Cheese chickpea pasta in 3 flavors, also a Plant-based Mac & Cheese.
My favorite is their Rotini, which I use to make my favorite lazy meal: Pasta Bolognese.
Vegan Frothing Agent
The water that your chickpeas come in is also known as Aquafaba, which mimics an egg white effect when making mocktails.
There are many over-priced bottles of aquafaba or other foaming agents, but the real deal is literally the water from a chickpeas can.
As a bartender, I treat aquafaba like I would an egg white:
- Dry shake (no ice)
- Add ice and shake again
- Strain
- Dump the ice
- Dry shake again
- Double strain for optimum smoothness
The result is a velvety foamy layer that will take your sour-style mocktails & cocktails to the next level.
Thanks for Reading!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy chickpeas? Comment below 🙂
