Are Chickpeas the New Cauliflower?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are the new health trend. They’re everywhere from restaurant menus to grocery stores and packaged foods. Chickpeas are extremely versatile as they can be roasted or eaten on their own, made into hummus or added to your favorite meals. Like cauliflower, they can be turned into rice, pasta, and pizza crust, and here’s what you should know about them.

Nutrition

Chickpeas are a legume and they have 60 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat per half-cup serving. They’re high in protein, iron, folate, fiber, and phosphorus. They’re a cheap pantry staple and they can be bought canned or dried.

Chickpea Alternative

If you’re looking to start a lower-carb diet, chickpeas can be made into rice, pastas, pizzas, and mac and cheeses.

How to Use Chickpeas

Chickpeas can be eaten on their own or added to soups, shakshukas, stir-fries, and salads, so it’s worth having some in your pantry. Of course, the most well-known use from chickpeas is in hummus which is amazing as a dip or as a spread on sandwiches. You can even add them to avocado toast!