Desi Chickpea
Cicer arietinumClinical Encyclopedia
Desi Chickpea provides 164 kcal, 8.9g of protein, 27.4g of carbohydrates, and 7.6g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.
Desi chickpeas, also known as kala chana, are small, dark brown legumes packed with protein and fiber. They are a staple in many cuisines and are known for their nutty flavor and firm texture.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Soak overnight and cook thoroughly to enhance digestibility. They can be used in salads, curries, or ground into flour.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose desi chickpeas that are firm and free from cracks or blemishes. Look for uniform color and size.
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked chickpeas can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Spicy Chickpea Salad
A refreshing and zesty salad packed with protein from desi chickpeas, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked desi chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and cilantro.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, cumin powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve chilled.
Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A hearty and nutritious curry that combines desi chickpeas with fresh spinach and aromatic spices for a comforting meal.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
- 2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute before adding turmeric and garam masala.
- 3. Stir in the chickpeas, spinach, and coconut milk, simmer for 10 minutes, and season with salt before serving.
Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
A nutritious bowl filled with protein-rich quinoa and desi chickpeas, topped with fresh veggies and a tahini dressing.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, layer the cooked quinoa and chickpeas as the base.
- 2. Top with bell pepper, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
- 3. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the bowl before serving.
Chickpea and Sweet Potato Tacos
Delicious tacos filled with spiced desi chickpeas and roasted sweet potatoes, perfect for a healthy dinner option.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss sweet potato with olive oil, chili powder, and cumin, then roast for 25 minutes.
- 2. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet.
- 3. Assemble the tacos with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, garnishing with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea and Avocado Toast
A simple yet satisfying toast topped with smashed avocado and seasoned desi chickpeas, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- 1. Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.
- 2. In a bowl, mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Spread the avocado on the toast, top with chickpeas, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Chickpea and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry featuring desi chickpeas and a mix of colorful vegetables, making for a quick and healthy dinner.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- 1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and add ginger, sautéing for a minute.
- 2. Add bell peppers and broccoli, stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- 3. Stir in the chickpeas and soy sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes before serving with sesame seeds on top.
Chickpea and Cauliflower Stew
A warming stew combining desi chickpeas and cauliflower in a rich tomato base, perfect for chilly evenings.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- 2. Add cauliflower, cumin, and paprika, cooking for 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chickpeas, simmering for 20 minutes before seasoning with salt and pepper.
Chickpea and Zucchini Fritters
Crispy and flavorful fritters made with desi chickpeas and zucchini, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- 1. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas and mix in grated zucchini, flour, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Form the mixture into small patties.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
Chickpea and Coconut Energy Balls
Nutritious energy balls made with desi chickpeas, coconut, and oats, perfect for a healthy snack on the go.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, oats, coconut, honey, vanilla, and salt until well blended.
- 2. Form the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chickpea and Beetroot Hummus
A vibrant twist on traditional hummus, combining desi chickpeas and roasted beetroot for a nutritious dip.
- 1 cup cooked desi chickpeas
- 1 medium beetroot, roasted and peeled
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, beetroot, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- 2. Adjust seasoning as needed and drizzle with olive oil before serving with pita or veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the health benefits of desi chickpeas?
Desi chickpeas are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, promoting heart health, weight management, and digestive health.
How can I incorporate desi chickpeas into my diet?
You can add them to salads, soups, stews, or use them to make hummus and falafel.
Are desi chickpeas gluten-free?
Yes, desi chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten intolerance.
How should I store desi chickpeas?
Store dried desi chickpeas in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked chickpeas can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I eat desi chickpeas raw?
Raw desi chickpeas are not recommended; they should be soaked and cooked to improve digestibility.
What is the difference between desi chickpeas and regular chickpeas?
Desi chickpeas are smaller, darker, and have a nuttier flavor compared to the larger, lighter-colored kabuli chickpeas.
How much protein is in desi chickpeas?
Desi chickpeas contain approximately 8.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Are desi chickpeas good for weight loss?
Yes, their high fiber content helps keep you full longer, aiding in weight management.