Chick peas (also known as garbanzo beans) are round, light brown-coloured legumes with a mild, nutty, earthy flavour. Their name comes from from the small peak on each pea that resembles a chicken's beak. They were originally cultivated in the Mediterranean and Middle East and are now enjoyed around the world.
Nutrition information
Chick peas are packed with fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals including iron. They are low in fat, have a low glycaemic index (GI) and are gluten free. Chick peas also contain phytochemicals called saponins, which act as antioxidants.
Cooking tips
Chick peas are common in Middle Eastern, Indian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Asian and North African cuisine. Chick peas are very versatile and can be added to salads, stews and curries. They can also be ground, shaped into balls and then fried to make falafel, pureed into a paste called hummus, or roasted and spiced and eaten as a snack.
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