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Split Chickpeas
Legumes
Nutri-ScoreA

Split Chickpeas

Cicer arietinum

Clinical Encyclopedia

Split chickpeas, also known as chana dal, are a nutritious legume rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are commonly used in various cuisines for their versatility and health benefits.

Also known as:
Chana dalYellow split peas
Scientific NameCicer arietinum
Region of OriginMiddle East and South Asia

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories164 kcal
Water
10%
Fiber8g
Total39.0g
Protein
9g(23%)
Fats
2.6g(7%)
Carbohydrates
27.4g(70%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin C4 mg (4%)
Vitamin E0.35 mg (2%)
Vitamin K4 µg (3%)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.12 mg (10%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.06 mg (5%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)1 mg (6%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.3 mg (6%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.14 mg (11%)
Folate172 µg (43%)
Choline70 mg (13%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Vitamin A: 67 IUVitamin D: 0 µgVitamin B12: 0 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Calcium50 mg (5%)
Iron2.9 mg (16%)
Magnesium48 mg (12%)
Phosphorus168 mg (24%)
Potassium291 mg (6%)
Zinc1.5 mg (14%)
Copper0.3 mg (15%)
Manganese0.6 mg (30%)
Selenium2 µg (4%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

High in protein and fiber, split chickpeas can aid in weight management by promoting satiety and reducing hunger.
Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, they support heart health, digestive health, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!No clinically significant precautions or contraindications have been documented for this food in standard dietary intake.

How to Prepare & Consume

Rinse and soak split chickpeas before cooking to enhance digestibility. They can be boiled, added to soups, or ground into flour.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose split chickpeas that are uniform in color and free from any debris or damage.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to a year.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Digestive aidAnti-inflammatory
Main Applications
Weight management
Blood sugar regulation
Bioactive Compounds
Saponins

May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Phytosterols

Contribute to cholesterol management and overall heart health.

How to Consume
Cooked, Soups, Stews, Flour
Did you know?

"Split chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a staple in many diets around the world."

Myths vs Realities

MythMyth: Split chickpeas are not nutritious.
RealityReality: Split chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
MythMyth: You can't eat split chickpeas if you're on a low-carb diet.
RealityReality: While they contain carbohydrates, their high fiber content makes them suitable in moderation.
MythMyth: Split chickpeas cause digestive issues.
RealityReality: When cooked properly, they are easy to digest and can aid in digestion.

Healthy Recipes

Split Chickpea Salad with Avocado and Lime

A refreshing salad combining split chickpeas with creamy avocado and zesty lime for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked split chickpeas, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. 2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 3. Toss gently to combine and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Spiced Split Chickpea Soup

A hearty and warming soup featuring split chickpeas, aromatic spices, and vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup split chickpeas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander, cooking until fragrant.
  3. 3. Stir in split chickpeas and vegetable broth, then simmer for 30 minutes until chickpeas are tender.

Split Chickpea and Spinach Patties

Crispy and nutritious patties made from split chickpeas and fresh spinach, perfect for a healthy snack or meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mash the cooked split chickpeas and mix in chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into patties and heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. 3. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Split Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

A creamy and flavorful curry made with split chickpeas and coconut milk, served over brown rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup split chickpeas
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Salt to taste
  • Brown rice for serving
Instructions
  1. 1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pan until translucent.
  2. 2. Add curry powder and cook for another minute before adding split chickpeas and coconut milk.
  3. 3. Simmer for 20 minutes, stir in spinach, and serve over brown rice.

Split Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl

A nutritious bowl filled with protein-rich split chickpeas and quinoa, topped with fresh vegetables and a tahini dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked split chickpeas and quinoa with diced cucumber and bell pepper.
  2. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl and toss to combine.

Split Chickpea Hummus with Roasted Garlic

A creamy and flavorful hummus made from split chickpeas and roasted garlic, perfect for dipping or spreading.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 head of garlic, roasted
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Paprika for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a food processor, combine cooked split chickpeas, roasted garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. 2. Blend until smooth, adding water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
  3. 3. Serve garnished with paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.

Split Chickpea Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious tacos filled with spiced split chickpeas and topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a healthy twist.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
  • Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a pan, heat cooked split chickpeas with chili powder and cumin until warmed through.
  2. 2. Prepare avocado salsa by mixing diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  3. 3. Assemble tacos by filling corn tortillas with spiced chickpeas and topping with avocado salsa.

Split Chickpea and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and colorful stir-fry featuring split chickpeas and a variety of vegetables, perfect for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large skillet, heat sesame oil and add sliced bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli, stir-frying until tender.
  2. 2. Add cooked split chickpeas and soy sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
  3. 3. Serve garnished with sesame seeds.

Split Chickpea and Sweet Potato Mash

A comforting mash of split chickpeas and sweet potatoes, seasoned with spices for a healthy side dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
  1. 1. Boil sweet potato cubes until tender, then drain and mash with a fork.
  2. 2. Mix in cooked split chickpeas, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. 3. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Mediterranean Split Chickpea Wraps

Healthy wraps filled with split chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a tangy yogurt sauce for a delightful meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked split chickpeas
  • Whole wheat wraps
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix plain yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
  2. 2. Spread the yogurt sauce on whole wheat wraps, then layer with split chickpeas, cucumber, and tomato.
  3. 3. Roll up the wraps tightly and slice in half to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are split chickpeas gluten-free?

Yes, split chickpeas are naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance.

How do I cook split chickpeas?

Rinse them, soak for a few hours, then boil for about 30-40 minutes until tender.

Can I eat split chickpeas raw?

Raw split chickpeas should not be consumed as they can be difficult to digest.

What are the health benefits of split chickpeas?

They are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, promoting heart health and aiding digestion.

How should I store split chickpeas?

Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can split chickpeas help with weight loss?

Yes, their high fiber content can promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.

Are split chickpeas good for diabetics?

Yes, they have a low glycemic index, making them suitable for blood sugar management.

What dishes can I make with split chickpeas?

They can be used in soups, stews, salads, and even ground into flour for baking.