In ancient times, Romans preferred chickpeas, among others legumes, because of their nutritious properties but also for their unique taste. They were both cooked in broth and roasted as a snack – a tradition that is still respected nowadays in some parts of southern Italy. Currently, it is one of the most common legumes in Italy, mainly grown in central and south regions.
Chickpeas are rich in high biological value proteins, which is why they are considered suitable substitutes for meat. Its beneficial effects are due to the high content of magnesium and folic acid: the first promotes blood circulation, the latter helps to prevent the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Chickpeas also contain unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) that regulate the content of triglycerides in blood and are beneficial to the heart. Furthermore, the presence of dietary fiber is useful to maintain the regular functionality of digestion and to balance glucose’s level in blood.
MAIAORGANIC Chickpeas selection:
Chickpeas are rich in fiber and minerals and suitable for all dishes, especially soups and stews. The variety we offer is small and smooth and a notably fine skin makes them particularly palatable.
Black Chickpeas are produced in such small quantities that they are considered a speciality product. A distinctive black colour, a more intense taste and a quite tough skin characterize these chickpeas. Cooking time is a little longer and they will never fully soften, for this reason black chickpeas are more often used to prepare salads rather than soups.
Hulled Chickpeas are obtained by removing the skin of the whole chickpeas. Because of the reduced presence of fibers, hulled chickpeas are more digestible and can be cooked without pre-soaking. Having a more delicate flavour, they are particularly suitable for making soups, pasta dishes or creams.
* Chefs Tips *
Chickpeas
4 hours of soaking
60 minutes of cooking
Black Chickpeas
12 hours of soaking at least
90 minutes of cooking
Hulled Chickpeas
60 minutes of cooking
pre-soaking not required
[still they will cook more quickly if soaked for a couple of hours prior to cooking]
*Before using Chickpeas rinse them thoroughly under running water and remove any debris that you may find
*Find the perfect texture by tasting your Chickpeas while cooking
*Get yourself an appetizer by blending Chickpeas into a rich cream or by enjoying them in a fresh salad
*Add some spices such as Bay Leaves & Rosemary in the broth: they will give a special flavour to your Chickpea soups
*Surprise your guests with a traditional north-Italian stew: Mesciua
*Go Vegan with a Chickpea Hamburgers or a Black Chickpea & Prickly Pear Salad
*Fill your kitchen with Oriental fragrances while treating yourself with some Turmeric Roasted Crunchy Chickpeas or Falafel
*Never forget a drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
*Still hungry? Have more here!