The chickpea (Bengal gram) recipe feels like home as it is one of the essential legumes cultivated around my native place while growing up. Chickpeas are versatile and nutritious legumes valuable to a healthy diet. They have a nutty, earthy flavor that is slightly more robust than regular chickpeas. I love using them as much as possible in my daily cooking. This Cajun Spicy Black Chickpea Dip with black offers a unique twist on traditional chickpea dips and will surely be a hit at your next gathering.
The show's star, the black chickpea, is a nutrient-dense legume with high protein. (1) (5) This protein punch makes the dip incredibly satiating, keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Additionally, black chickpeas are a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. Black chickpea is also a good iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate source. Tahini, the sesame seed paste, adds a creamy texture and a nutty richness to the dip. This ingredient is a hidden gem, loaded with healthy fats, essential vitamins, and minerals. Tahini is rich in calcium, vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. Lemon juice adds a vibrant touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the tahini and olive oil. It is also a source of vitamin C, vital for boosting the immune system and promoting collagen production for healthy skin. Garlic, a flavor powerhouse, brings its characteristic bite and many health benefits. It boasts immune-boosting properties and is known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Cilantro, the vibrant green herb, adds a fresh pop of color and packs a nutritional punch. It's a symphony of health benefits, offering protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Beyond its deliciousness, the recipe boasts a lineup of ingredients brimming with health benefits, making it a guilt-free indulgence. So, next time you're looking for a flavorful and nutritious snack, try this recipe and experience the goodness in every bite.
Ingredients:
Black chickpeas - ½ cup (raw)
Tahini - 2 tablespoons (sesame seed paste)
Olive oil -2 tablespoons
Lemon juice -2 tablespoons
Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
Cilantro- 1 bunch (finely chopped)
Cajun seasoning – 1 tablespoon
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Paprika - ½ tsp
Salt – as per taste
Directions:
To prepare black chickpeas, soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly and add 2 cups of fresh water to a pot. Add half a teaspoon of salt to the pot and cook the chickpeas in an Instant Pot for 25 minutes on high pressure. Alternatively, you can cook the chickpeas in a pressure cooker for up to 4 whistles.
Combine the cooked black chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.
3. Process the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dip is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste the dip and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Cajun seasoning or salt if desired.
5. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together
References
(PDF) Nutritional composition of Chickpea (Cicerarietinum-L) and value added products (researchgate.net)
Nutritional composition of selected green leafy vegetables, herbs, and carrots - PubMed (nih.gov)
Digestibilities of the proteins of bengal gramCicer Arietinum Linn | Proceedings: Plant Sciences (springer.com)