Chickpeas are also known by the names: chickpeas, blisters, and lamb's peas. The culture is valued for its light nutty taste, high yields, unpretentiousness and a lot of positive characteristics. Today it is not difficult to buy an ancient product that until recently was exotic. Some consumers use chickpeas for medicinal purposes, others prefer to prepare various dishes from it, the recipes of which came to us from eastern countries.
Useful properties and contraindications
This variety of pea stimulates the digestive process, normalizes metabolism, strengthens the immune system, prevents the appearance of cancer cells by supplying the body with coarse dietary fiber. It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, blood composition, cardiovascular function and mental activity.
Chickpeas reduce blood sugar levels, protect against blood clots, restore human energy resources, inhibit the aging process, improve vision, increase bone strength, stimulate lactation, normalize the menstrual cycle, and prevent caries.
Exposure to dietary fiber helps eliminate waste and toxins, normalize cholesterol levels and reduce weight. The product is effective in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. The culture has long been used as a means to enhance male libido.
Regular inclusion of chickpeas in the menu improves overall well-being, protects against the occurrence of many diseases, and alleviates the condition of problem organs.
The large amount of vegetable protein makes lamb peas an alternative substitute for meat and poultry.
Undesirable aspects of eating legumes include flatulence and fermentation in the intestines. Chickpea dishes are prohibited for gastrointestinal problems, constipation, circulatory problems, inflammation of the bladder and in case of individual intolerance.
Composition of chickpeas
The growing popularity of Turkish peas is based on the taste of the product and the value of its components, numbering more than 80 substances: vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber. A third of all plant elements are proteins, and more than half are carbohydrates. Amino acids and dietary fiber are important. The presence of fat is insignificant.
What are the benefits of seed sprouts?
Lamb pea sprouts are rich in vitamins, metheonine and cysteine. Their consumption helps regulate and restore the functioning of important internal organs and systems, strengthen the immune system, and improve metabolism. Sprouted seeds have high nutritional value and low calorie content.
How to sprout chickpeas
The process involves increasing the initial volume of grains three to four times.
The chickpeas are washed with the simultaneous removal of damaged specimens and filled with water in an amount five times the volume of the grains. The container is installed in a shaded place. After 12 hours, the peas are washed and allowed to dry before being re-watered and kept warm. This procedure is repeated until sprouts of the desired size appear at intervals of 12 hours.
What to cook - recipes
The collection of recipes for chickpea dishes includes over 500 options for soups, appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Some are traditional and recognizable throughout the world.
Chickpea pate - hummus
To prepare a traditional pate, two glasses of grains are poured with water until softened and crushed in a blender. The mass is flavored with olive oil, cumin, sesame seeds, walnuts, lemon juice, chopped garlic and added salt to taste.
Roasted chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas resemble popcorn. The beans are soaked in water overnight and dried with a paper towel in the morning. Refined vegetable oil is heated in a high frying pan and chickpeas are poured in, leaving until golden brown. The finished product is laid out on towels with a slotted spoon to get rid of excess fat, poured into a container and, depending on desire, sprinkled with salt or granulated sugar.
Chana masala
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and sauté chopped chili, onion, garlic and ginger for five minutes. Reduce heat, add paprika, coriander, cumin, garam masala, mix the contents, fry for one or two minutes and add chopped tomatoes. Pour in water, add peas and simmer for 10 minutes. Season the finished dish with salt and lemon juice.
Chickpea cutlets
Make a puree from 200 g of pre-soaked chickpeas, add salt, coriander, turmeric, black pepper and a tablespoon of flour. Knead and form into cutlets. Roll the semi-finished product in sesame seeds and fry.
How to cook chickpea falafel
Drain the water from the soaked grains (two glasses), dry and grind with one carrot. Mix herbs, salt and your favorite spices into the paste, pour in a tablespoon of lemon juice, form into small balls, roll in sesame seeds and deep-fry. Falafel is usually served with vegetables.
If you wash down chickpea dishes with cold drinks, the risk of acute stomach cramps increases.
This type of pea is included in the diet due to its low glycemic index. Healthy carbohydrates give you a feeling of fullness for a long time.
