One of the healthiest, pure-vegetarian and protein-rich snacks with a delicious taste is chick peas. They are a legume of the plant family Fabaceae. The chick pea plant is mainly grown for its nutritious and textured seeds. Its seeds are high in plant based protein and fiber. Chick pea is consumed in various forms, from boiled beans to an Indian curry. Apart from the health benefits, chickpeas also taste delicious. The texture of chickpeas in traditional Indian chole bhature is mouth watering and it is what brings life to the entire meal. Grab yourself a plate of lip smacking, traditional Indian delicacy chole bhature at Dosa and More, a good Indian restaurant in Germany.
Here is a list of the various health benefits of chick peas:
Super rich in plant based protein
It is a superfood
Highly fibrous
Rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, etc
Gluten free snack
Low in carbohydrates
Keep appetite in check
Perfect for a healthy, diet conscious snack or meal
Helps lower calorie intake throughout the day
It is a vegan produce
Promotes blood sugar control
Helps improve bone health
Improves digestion
Protects against heart disease and other chronic diseases
The best one being that they are affordable and easy to include in diet
Indians love chole bhature. Mainly because of the nutty flavour and texture of chick pea. The growth of intake in chick pea due to the fact that it can be easily included in anybody's diet. Salads, hummus, Indian dishes, etc are all made using this very unique and delicious legume.
Let us know some very special facts about chick pea:
According to researchers chick pea were evidently first cultivated in the Middle East in the 7500 BC.
Very soon chick pea were being cultivated in ancient civilisations such as Greece, Egypt and Rome
Chick peas are called by various names such as garbanzo beans, bengal grams, egyptian beans, kabuli chana, and ceci beans.
Chick peas are available in various colours like beige, black, green, red and brown.
They are a farmers’ dream crop. Chick peas produce a valuable crop as well as a perfect crop to break the disease cycle of wheat and barley.
Help maintain a cleaner, greener environment by ensuring lesser use of insecticides and pesticides.
Legumes are included in a healthy diet plan in various countries. They can be consumed by all vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian people.
Chick pea helps restore the nitrogen of the soil thus making it healthier and viable for further use.
They are a great source of both dietary and soluble fibre. Thus play a great role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Chick peas are an incredibly versatile ingredient to cook with. They can be added to salads, curries, etc. You can eat them canned, dried or roasted, hot or cold and they are super pocket friendly too.
The world’s number one chick pea producer in the world is India, with nearly 8,832,500 metric tons production reported in 2013.
Enjoy a warm bowl of spiced chick pea in curry with delicious, crispy Indian flatbread bhature at a reasonably cheap Indian restaurant in Berlin, Dosa and More.
Pindi chole is one of the most loved and enjoyed delicacies of India made using chick pea. Here is a simple recipe for you:
Pindi Chole:
Prep time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 8 hours 30 minutes
For Soaking:
250 grams white chick peas
For preparing chick peas:
3 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 black cardamoms
2 green cardamoms
2 tej patta/ bay leaf
1 black tea bag
1 teaspoon black salt
3 cups water
For Pindi Chole:
2 tablespoon oil
3 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
½ teaspoon red chilli powder
2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala powder
2-3 teaspoon chole masala
1 teaspoon dry mango powder
Salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Rinse a few times then soak chick peas in water for 8 to 9 hours
Boil the soaked chick peas with whole spices, black salt, water and tea bag in pressure cooker for 10 to 15 minutes
Drain all the water and additional spices, etc.
Heat oil in a pan and saute ginger-garlic paste
Saute for a few seconds
Turn heat to low and add ground spices like red chilli powder, coriander powder, dry mango powder, garam masala powder and chana masala powder
Mix well and saute the spices for a minute
Add cooked chickpeas and mix well with the masala
Add salt and check for seasonings
Let it cook for 5-7 minutes in the masala on low heat
Add juice of freshly squeezed lemon and mix well for tanginess
This mouth watering dish is now available at Dosa and More, an Indian restaurant in Germany that serves authentic Indian and South Indian meals for all to enjoy.