What Do Chickpeas Taste Like? Do Chickpeas Taste Good?

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “What Do Chickpeas Taste Like?“.

A tasty snack or meal can be enhanced by adding chickpeas. These peas, commonly referred to as beans, are packed with nutrients and minerals.

Several cuisines use chickpeas including Middle Eastern, Italian, Jewish, Philippine, Indian, and Mediterranean. Chickpeas are grown throughout the world and are considered a staple food.

Chickpeas can be used in many different ways. What does chickpea taste like?

However, they taste quite different from what they look like. Although they might seem dull and pale, they taste quite delectable.

What are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas are legumes belonging to the Fabaceae family. In addition to garbanzo bean, it is also called Egyptian pea, Bengal gram, and chole.

Chickpeas have evolved into a tasty dipping sauce or spread – hummus – to a light evening snack – fried chickpeas. Its versatility gives it a place in any cuisine.

Due to its high protein content and moderate calorie content, this food item is ideal for vegan diets.

What Do Chickpeas Taste Like? Do Chickpeas Taste Good?

Typical of the legume family, chickpeas have a distinctive beany taste. Aside from that, it has a nutty taste with an earthy touch. It leaves a lasting taste on your tongue.

Compared to pinto and cannellini beans, chickpeas taste a little similar. Since it does not have a very mild flavor, any food item can be enjoyed with it.

Depending on the cooking style, the taste can vary. A mashed chickpea has a soft, creamy, but grainy texture. In the mouth, it feels similar to mashed potatoes.

Chickpeas have a high nutritional profile. Peas contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients such as iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B-6, and many others.

Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, and they have no cholesterol. You can combat many health issues by including chickpeas in your diet.

Controlling blood sugar, losing weight, improving digestion are among its benefits.

How to Cook Chickpeas?

As well as dried chickpeas, canned chickpeas are also available. Chickpeas can be cooked quickly and easily. Below are some of the best ways to cook chickpeas.

It’s important to remember that dried chickpeas are triple in size after soaking. You can choose how to cook the chickpeas, which affects the cooking time.

The dried peas should be soaked in a bowl with a few inches of water over the level of the peas before cooking.

This is because the peas will triple in size and soak all the water.       

 Choose the method of cooking after that.

In stove

In a cooking pot, combine the soaked peas with water and bring to a boil. For at least two hours, simmer the chickpeas in the pot. Taste a chickpea to determine whether it has become soft.

Note: 

Cook the peas without the lid if you want firmer peas for salads, etc. Let the lid hang open while making hummus.

In a pressure cooker

Both soaked and unsoaked chickpeas can be cooked in a pressure cooker.

Soaked peas and chickpeas should be added together with a few inches of water and cooked on high pressure for 12 minutes and then naturally released.

Cook unsoaked peas under high pressure for 50 minutes, then naturally release for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Chickpeas are nutrient-dense and rich in protein and fiber. They taste great and help keep you full.

They blend seamlessly with any cuisine and are extremely simple to make.

Many people enjoy using them in a variety of cuisines around the world and they have become a favorite of theirs.

If you want to read more about cooking, read here: Cooking Tips and Tricks.