The Mighty Chickpea | Health Benefits And Cooking Tips
Discover the incredible health benefits and culinary versatility of chickpeas. These power foods are filled with nutrients as well as being incredibly affordable and environmentally friendly. Learn more about chickpeas and how to incorporate them into your diet.
Chickpeas are part of the pulse family, which also includes beans and lentils. This family is known for being a nutritional powerhouse, and chickpeas are no exception. Chickpeas are packed with protein, healthy fats and fibres. They are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating chickpeas helps maintain blood sugar levels, promotes heart and gut health, and helps ease symptoms of Irritable bowel disease (IBD) like constipation and nausea. Just one cup of chickpeas provides a good portion of your daily manganese needs, which is essential for protecting cells, maintaining strong bones, and boosting the immune system.
On top of this, chickpeas are environmentally friendly, they don’t require much water to grow and they enrich the soil around, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. They’re also incredibly affordable, making them accessible for everyone.
Chickpeas are incredibly adaptable and can be cooked in countless ways. Their liquid, aquafaba, is also versatile, even being included in cosmetics because of its natural qualities. Aquafaba mimics the texture of egg whites, making it a fantastic ingredient for various culinary creations. Here are some delicious ways to eat chickpeas and use their aquafaba.
FIVE WAYS TO COOK CHICKPEAS
HUMMUS
Blend chickpeas with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to make a creamy hummus. This delicious dip is one of the most famous chickpea dishes and it’s perfect for any occasion.
OVEN ROAST
Roast chickpeas with your favourite spices for a crunchy, savoury snack. They’re great for adding to salads or enjoying on their own.
SMOOTHIES
Add cooked chickpeas to smoothies for an extra protein and fibre boost. They blend seamlessly, adding creaminess and nutrition without altering the flavour.
SOUPS AND STEWS
Stir cooked chickpeas into soups, stews, and curries for added texture and nutrition. They soak up flavours well and make dishes heartier.
SAUTEED VEGETABLES
Sauté chickpeas with veggies, garlic, and spices for a quick and nutritious meal. Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete dish.
HOW TO USE AQUAFABA
This liquid from canned chickpeas is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in various recipes. It’s perfect for making meringues, mayonnaise, vegan ice cream, and even cocktails. Aquafaba can create light, fluffy textures, making it ideal for baking and dessert recipes.
CHICKPEA PRODUCTS
If you love chickpeas but don’t want to cook, don’t worry because you can find them in lots of products. These include chickpea protein powder, flour, butter and pasta. Chickpea products offer a gluten-free and nutritious alternative to traditional ingredients. You can even find chickpea snacks such as crisps, granola, and cereal, all of which are excellent options for incorporating chickpeas into your diet.
+Highlight Image: ©Sheri Silver via Unsplash
