#chickpeas

#chickpeas

At the grocery store, I am a wide-eyed baby with a wholly undeveloped sense of object permanence. What do I have at home? Your guess is as good as mine. It wouldn't hurt to grab a can of beans, you know, just in case the reserves are low. Well, peekaboo. At present writing, there are nine cans of chickpeas in my pantry.

Season chicken with salt and set aside. Heat a sauté pan on medium and add olive oil. Add chicken and sear until golden brown and turn over. After browning on both sides, remove chicken. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until onion becomes translucent. Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Add oregano, tomato, and chickpeas. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to television screens across the globe, Gordon Ramsay's culinary credentials are undisputed. The renowned chef understands better than anyone the power of good ingredients, even if they are canned beans that you keep in your pantry, overlooked all along. Sure enough, it's none other than canned chickpeas that you will find in his Moroccan chicken traybake recipe. If you thought hummus and falafel were already the best uses for canned chickpeas, this dish is proof that they can always exceed expectations.

While the exact level varies depending on the type of lentil, the average cup contains nearly 18 grams of protein - making them the more protein-rich legume compared to chickpeas. In fact, lentils are typically made up of about 25% protein, which is the same composition as lean beef. They're also packed with iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. On top of all of that they contain fiber and, according to a 2017 study, are associated with lowering the risk of heart disease.

By roasting chickpeas, you can give them a hint of nuttiness necessary for a stand-in for pine nuts in pesto. Chickpeas provide creaminess and thickness.

Remove some skins from the chickpeas before baking for a crunchier texture. A little bit of effort in this step makes a big difference!