Chickpeas – little grains of love

Chickpeas is a legume plant that looks like a shrub reaching up to 50 cm. It loves warm places such as Turkey, Iran, India, Spain and Mexico. It is famous for its colorful and beautiful Oriental cuisine, where it is part of the delicious hummus. Interestingly, the ancient Egyptians and Arabs considered the chickpeas for aphrodisiac. Why not?  Definitely, it gives strength (it is satiating).

What is unique about chickpeas content?

It is rich in vegetable proteins. It has iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, fiber, slow carbohydrates. The body absorbs those slowly and gives you a full feeling. Contains vitamins B6, C, K and more of these wonders.

What is the chickpeas beneficial effect on the body?

For starters, it is a great choice for people who want to eat cleaner and healthier, or are on a diet. This is due to the fiber and low glycemic index. The fibers help prevent constipation and diarrhea. Chickpeas balance the intestinal flora and improve digestion. It improves heart health and reduces the so-called ‘bad cholesterol’. People who consume regularly and in normal quantities would also enjoy healthy bones. Chickpeas also regulates the blood sugar and insulin levels. It is good for people with insulin resistance, because it has a low glycemic index and regulates the metabolism in the body.

What else is important to know about chickpeas?

Chickpeas are sold in grains (dried) and canned (in jars/cans). The second option, of course, is easier for usage, but the purest and with more substances is the one of the grains (dry). Dried chickpeas contain more folic acid. If you decide to cook the chickpeas, say you chose the dried one, it is a good idea to let it soak in water for about 12-24 hours. On the other hand, if you choose canned chickpeas you will not need to wait, but you should definitely wash it well, because there is a lot of salt in it. Canned chickpea water can be stored and used to make delicious vegan desserts. The chickpea water is a great substitute for eggs.

It is good to store the dried chickpeas in dark, cold and dry place away from the sunlight. Where the cooked chickpeas can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How can you use chickpeas?

These little grains of love play a very important ingredient for many different delicious recipes, such as hummus, falafels, mayonnaise, good for additives / garnishes on other dishes, etc. The roast is especially tasty, which becomes a good snack substitute. Ways of preparation – different, recipes – wide choice and for every taste. It is definitely worth it to add these little grains with love to your menu and refine them in your own way and taste.