Masen Matthews | Crumbs
Masen Matthews | Crumbs
There’s a common phrase thrown around about beans being a magical fruit.
While beans may not actually be fruit, these legumes serve important functions, like providing protein and sustaining a massive portion of the world’s population.
The rundown of beans in the world today would end in a long list full of side-by-side comparisons and advantages, but the garbanzo bean — otherwise known as the chickpea—is versatile and delicious, and has a variety of different applications and uses.
According to Livestrong.com, garbanzo beans provide a large amount of calcium, zinc, protein and other vital nutrients. While they may be substantial and filling, they’re also low in overall fat content and round out as a filling staple food without containing extra calories. They can be bought at most grocery stores in canned or bulk varieties for a low price.
One way to eat garbanzo beans is by themselves. With a canned package, simply rinse the beans and apply them to a salad. They can be eaten completely on their own, too, although some may find the blunt taste of a mouthful of plain beans offsetting. Regardless, fans of other bean-based dishes like edamame would surely feel right at home.
In terms of actual cooking, one of the most popular ways to consume garbanzo beans is in the form of hummus. Hummus is a creamy, protein-filled spread that goes well on toast, pitas, crackers and more. With a can of garbanzo beans, a few spices, some tahini and water, a delicious hummus can be made in minutes. Muscovites can also sample a hummus pita at Mikey’s Gyros downtown to taste some of the best hummus in the region.
Another way to have hummus is in the form of a loaf, bread or burger. There are many recipes that call for a combination of cooked brown rice and garbanzo beans with other spices and vegetable chunks to make veggie burgers. These recipes and guides can be found on many vegan and vegetarian sites, and the substitute for meat proves delicious for plant-eaters and meat-eaters alike. Local restaurant Nectar has a delicious garbanzo bean burger on their menu for those who are curious or anxious to try a hearty meat substitute with all of the health benefits and less fat and oil.
Garbanzo beans may be magic after all. Using the Internet or a cookbook, one can find a wide array of recipes utilizing the legume. With the right combination of grains, herbs and spices, garbanzo beans can take food into a foray of adventurous new territory.
Masen Matthews can be reached at [email protected]