What are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo beans) are a type of legume. They are high in protein and fibre. They also contain nutrients such as folate and iron and are Low GI.
Chickpeas made their re-appearance into the limelight in 2018 (2018 Food trends) when plant-based eating came onto the larger populations’ radar and scientists revealed the link between the brain and gut.
How to use Chickpeas?
The easiest way to enjoy chickpeas is from a tin, however, you can also buy them dried, or buy chickpea flour. Dried chickpeas need to be soaked overnight, and then cooked. AND don’t throw away the liquid from the tin, see why below.
We love chickpeas, they are so versatile! Here are just a few ways to use them:
- Blend them into a Hummus. (Yes, hummus is made from chickpeas) Try these Hummus Recipes
- Enjoy them in a salad. Try our Crispy Chickpea Salad.
- Roast them and enjoy them as a crunchy snack.
- Homemade burgers, or fritters.
- Use them as a meat substitute for your chicken mayo a.k.a chickpea mayo. (This one is perfect if there’s load shedding!)
- Use chickpea flour in your baking, like these Chickpea Cashew & Oat Cookies.
If all this making, tinning, spouting, and whipping is too much for you, simply add a tub of hummus into your trolley at Food Lover’s Market, along with your packet of chips for a tasty dip, while you watch MasterChef. That’s right, hummus is made from chickpeas.
Need some more chickpea recipe inspiration?
Click here to try our delicious chickpea recipes. http://bit.ly/FLMChickpeas
Why should you keep the chickpea brine?
You don’t want to throw away the brine of that tin of chickpeas! This is known as AQUAFABA and has some great uses for a vegan diet. It is most commonly used as a binder or an egg white substitute.
How is Aquafaba used?
As mentioned, Aquafaba is used as a binder in recipes or as an egg white substitute; for example to make a vegan mousse or vegan meringue.
We tried it out and made some recipes using Aquafaba! You should try them too.
- Make these Aquafaba tortillas and jump on the tortilla trend – for the best way to fold your wraps!
- Aquafaba French Toast – because vegans deserve french toast too!
For more plant-based inspiration, check out our vegan recipes or plant-based tips here.
