IRRESISTIBLE Creamy Chickpea Soup | HEALTHY Gluten Free + Vegan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do vegans love chickpeas? ›

Chickpeas—also known as garbanzo beans—are loaded with heart-healthy fiber and contain a number of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals too. In addition, their high protein content makes them a valuable alternative for those that follow vegetarian and vegan diets.

I first learned this trick from Alison Roman's chickpea stew, a delicious mix of coconut and chickpeas and warm spices. Halfway through cooking the stew, you crush some of the chickpeas in the pot, which thickens the soup base as it simmers.

Whether homemade or store-bought, a handful of hummus brands may contain dairy products like cheese or yogurt—though it's definitely rare. For example, some brands may sneak parmesan cheese into their pesto-flavored hummus. Sugar is another common ingredient that might make an appearance in commercial hummus recipes.

Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, red kidney beans, and lentils are high in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation. They are an inexpensive and excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians or vegans, and they're a low-glycemic carbohydrate. Aim to eat at least one cup of beans twice a week.

A handful of uncooked rice. That's all folks, just a handful of white rice. Any kind will do: jasmine, basmati, short grain, long grain. When added to a brothy (or watery, even) soup, and left to simmer for 20-30 minutes, the rice breaks down, releasing its starch and thickening the liquid that it's cooking in.

Substitute equal amounts of chickpea flour for the flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder called for to thicken sauces and gravies.

Almond flour makes a great thickener for a sauce but don't expect it to act the same as traditional flour. You'll need to cook off excess liquid to achieve a thicker consistency. For a smoother sauce, puree mixture after cooking.

Like all legumes, chickpeas are a source of protein, and they're optimal for muscle building. Just 100 grams' worth of chickpeas contains a whole 9 grams of protein. They also contain fiber and minerals such as iron as well as magnesium, which keeps our muscles functioning smoothly*.

Hummus might have sparked the initial interest in chickpeas, but the growing interest in plant-based proteins helped make the legume even more popular. Chickpeas are often hailed as an ideal replacement for meat in vegan and vegetarian diets, but the powerful pulses aren't just popular with those on specific diets.

Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low GI. Potential benefits of chickpeas include helping control blood sugar, manage weight, and support heart and gut health. Chickpeas are versatile, so you can add them to many savory or sweet meals and snacks.

What is special about chickpeas? ›

The fiber, potassium, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium in chickpeas all support heart health. Fiber helps decrease the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. Chickpeas contain no cholesterol.