National Chickpea Day: Nutritional benefits and 3 delicious dips to make at home
National Chickpea Day is observed on April 21 every year. The magnificent legume, chickpea, which is a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is celebrated on this day. It is the key ingredient of traditional falafel and hummus dishes.
One of the oldest legumes to be domesticated was the chickpea, which was discovered in the Middle East 7,500 years ago. Neolithic pottery from Hacilar, Turkey, Greece, France, and other parts of Europe also included them. 'Chickpea' appeared in English text for the first time in 1338, and dictionaries cited it again in the middle of the 18th century.
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Benefits of chickpeas
Chickpeas are very nutrient-dense and have a host of health advantages. Here are some of the benefits of eating chickpeas:
1. Chickpeas are one of the best plant-based protein sources, providing 20.5 grams of protein and 14.5 grams of fiber, NUTRITION ADVANCE reported.
2. Chickpeas provide 557 mcg of folate per 100 grams and 282 mcg per cup which is essential for pregnancy, neural tube defects, DNA synthesis, and health outcomes.
3. Chickpeas provide 10% of daily vitamin and mineral value.
4. People consuming the chickpea diet had 5.0% lower total cholesterol and 4.3% lower LDL cholesterol than the wheat group.
Chickpea dips recipes
1. Lemon-Garlic Chickpea Dip
Ingredients: Chickpeas, garlic, lemon, thyme, salt, pepper, hot sauce, extra-virgin olive oil, celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, tomatoes, and gourmet chips.
Method
1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, lemon zest and juice, thyme, salt, pepper, and spicy sauce.
2. Stream the extra-virgin olive oil into the processor after turning it on.
3. Enjoy the dip with chips and vegetables.
2. Hummus with Tahini
Ingredients: Chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, paprika, salt.
Method
1. The chickpeas should be mixed with the liquid, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini in a food processor and pureed to a chunky paste.
2. Scrape the bowl's side clean.
3. Blend the paprika with 2 teaspoons of olive oil until smooth.
4. Serve it with pita chips or crudités and season with salt and olive oil.
3. Chickpea-Yogurt Dip
Ingredients: Chickpeas, yogurt, sherry vinegar, ground cumin, olive oil, salt, pepper, pomegranate seeds, mint.
Method
1. Add Chickpeas, yogurt, sherry vinegar, ground cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a blender and blend.
2. Garnish the dip with pomegranate seeds and mint and enjoy with your meal.