Tag: chickpeas

Black chickpeas, what they are and how to use them – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

Have you ever tried the black chickpeas? They are less common than the more common beige chickpeas and not everyone knows that black chickpeas are also an important source of nutrients and what they are typical of the Mediterranean. In particular, it is possible to find black chickpeas in the territory of Murgia Barese. Once upon a time, when meat was a rare material, legumes were a precious alternative to improve daily nutrition. Today we go back to using these ancient ingredientstasty for the palate and rich in property for health, while in the areas between Puglia and Basilicata the cultivation of black chickpeasresistant and able to adapt to even the most adverse conditions.

Benefits of Black Chickpeas

They are small in size and are lined with a dark skin hence the name: black chickpeas belong to a very ancient variety typical of center and southern Italy. The flavor results more intense and pronouncedideal for many preparations, from soup towarm salad. Bringing legumes to the table regularly is an excellent idea, in fact in general chickpeas, composed of 19% proteins, 17% fibers and 10% water, constitute a source of vitamins (in particular vitamin B, C, E, K) e minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Compared to the better-known variety, black chickpeas contain high levels of iron. Thanks to the fibers they help you stay fit, stimulate the intestinal well-being and they are a satiating food capable of fighting hunger and energy drops.

History and cultivation of black chickpeas

Santeramo in Colle, Acquaviva delle Fonti and Cassano delle Murge: in the heart of the southern area of the Karst Murgia has lived, since time immemorial, the black chickpea tradition. Chickpeas were already known in ancient Egypt and Rome and were eaten fried. Cultivation abandoned after the war, now we are witnessing a return of interest towards this plant which, due to its small stature, still does not allow the mechanization of the entire harvesting process. For this reason, as in the past, much of the processing remains manual.

Recipes with black chickpeas

They usually recommend each other soaking times rather long: the ideal is to leave the chickpeas in a basin with water the evening before cooking them. For cooking consider a couple of hours: therefore, it is forbidden to be in a hurry. But in which recipes is it best to use black chickpeas? Here are some suggestions.

In soups

During the cold season and in autumn the soup It is a warm comfort food, rich in liquids and low in calories. The black chickpea soup is recommended, to be flavored with a sprig of rosemary fresh and serve with slices of crusty bread.

Hot chickpea soup

Hot black chickpea soup is a poor dish of Apulian cuisine, once widespread in peasant families and to be rediscovered thanks to the presence of simple and healthy Mediterranean ingredients.

Pasta and chickpeas

Have you ever thought about making the classic pasta and chickpeas but using black chickpeas? The even stronger taste of this ancient and precious legume will make your traditional dish even tastier. Try looking among them 10 pasta and chickpea recipes that we propose in this article and replace common chickpeas with this variety.

Black chickpeas, cavatelli and prawns

Alternatively, prepare the black chickpeas with cavatelli and shrimp blended with white wine: a delicious and decidedly tasty first course.

With potatoes in a delicious side dish

A single dish? Try cumin potatoes, cabbage and black chickpeas.

When the good weather returns, the green light is given to easy-to-digest preparations and salads with seasonal vegetables. Black chickpeas lend themselves very well to enriching salads or pasta salads, for a balanced and complete meal.

Pumpkin and chickpea soup, a vegan winter delight – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

There pumpkin and chickpea soup it is ideal to accompany the cold days of the winter season, when the use of these ingredients is particularly appropriate. Its origins are difficult to trace precisely, as various regions of the world have developed their own versions of this recipe. However, it is possible to identify common elements in many culinary traditions. There pumpkina vegetable rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants, has been a staple crop in the diets of many ancient civilizations, providing a flavorful and nutritious source during the winter months.

THE chickpeas, rich in proteins and fibre, are equally widespread in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, helping to give consistency and nutritional value to the preparation. The realization of this vegan recipe it is a relatively simple practice, but requires scrupulous attention to the choice and preparation of the ingredients. The pumpkin, usually cut into cubes, is combined with previously soaked and cooked chickpeas. The use of vegetable broth it forms the liquid base of the dish, enriching the overall flavour. Spices such as cumin, coriander and black pepper are used to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the dish. This winter dish it is often prepared in large quantities and can be saved for several servings, making it a practical choice for weeknight meals, serving as a main course or side dish, depending on personal preference.

Chickpea pancakes, crunchy bites of vegan originality – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

The origins of chickpea pancakes they can be found in various cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian. THE chickpeasthe main ingredients of this recipe, are a rich nutritional source proteins, fibers and vitamins. The tradition of using legumes to create pancakes has ancient roots, testifying to the ability of cultures to exploit available resources to create tasty, but also nutritious dishes. This vegan recipe it has evolved over time, with regional influences leading to variations in the preparation and selection of ingredients. However, the basic remains constant: cooked and mashed chickpeas, combined with a combination of spices that gives them a unique and enveloping flavour. One of the distinctive elements of the preparation is its adaptability to specific diets, in particular the dietary needs of followers of a vegan lifestyle.

In fact, it is intrinsically free of ingredients of animal origin, making it an ideal choice for those looking for vegan culinary options. The real secret of this original dish is the addition of spices, carefully select to add aromas and flavors. Brought to the table as an appetizer or main course in a vegetarian or vegan meal, chickpea fritters can also serve as a snack or finger food during informal events. Their preparation requires some attention to detail, since the right combination of ingredients and correct cooking are crucial to obtaining the desired result. For this reason, follow our recipe and you will create an extraordinary culinary masterpiece!