Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are part of the legume family. While they have become more popular recently, chickpeas have been grown in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years. Their nutty taste and grainy texture pairs well with several other foods and ingredients.
- One popular way to eat them is by adding them to salads, soups or sandwiches.
- They’re also a main ingredient in hummus, which is a dip made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. You can buy hummus from the store or make it on your own, such as in this recipe.
- Another way to enjoy chickpeas is to roast them, which makes for a delicious and crunchy snack. You can also incorporate them into veggie burgers or tacos.
- Chickpeas contain a moderate amount of calories and are high in fiber and protein. Chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Chickpeas are high in fiber, which benefits your digestion by increasing the number of healthy bacteria in your gut and helping waste flow efficiently through your digestive tract.