Mexican Fresh Garbanzo Bean Snack
Experience the delightful crunch of fresh garbanzo beans, a unique Mexican snack reminiscent of edamame. These vibrant green pods conceal tender chickpeas that offer a fresh, nutty flavor and a satisfying bite. Perfect for snacking, these fresh garbanzos can be enjoyed straight from the pod or shelled and tossed into salads for an added protein boost. Often found in specialty grocery stores that feature Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, or Pakistani foods, they make a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal or snack time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh chickpeas
2 cups (in pods)
Water
1/3 cup (as needed for steaming)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to flavor the water)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly wash the fresh chickpeas under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2
In a separate bowl, mix the salt into the water until fully dissolved.
3
Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.
4
Carefully pour the salted water onto the skillet, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
5
Place the washed chickpeas, still in their pods, into the skillet with the steaming water.
6
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chickpeas steam for about 5-7 minutes. They should become bright green and tender. You can test a pod by removing it and opening it to check the chickpea's doneness—you can eat them raw if desired.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove the pods from the skillet and allow them to cool slightly.
8
Shell the chickpeas by gently squeezing the pods and pop them out to enjoy them as a healthy and delicious snack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fresh garbanzo beans?
Fresh garbanzo beans are vibrant green pods containing tender chickpeas with a fresh, nutty flavor and a satisfying bite.
Where can I find fresh garbanzo beans?
They are often found in specialty grocery stores that feature Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, or Pakistani foods.
How do I prepare the fresh chickpeas before cooking?
Thoroughly wash the fresh chickpeas under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris before starting.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 1/3 cup of water in a separate bowl until the salt is fully dissolved.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A cast iron skillet or griddle is recommended for heating over medium heat.
How do I start the steaming process?
Pour the salted water onto a hot skillet and place the washed chickpeas, still in their pods, into the water.
How long should the garbanzo beans steam?
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chickpeas steam for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are bright green and tender.
Can I eat fresh garbanzo beans raw?
Yes, you can eat them raw if desired; you can test a pod while steaming to check for your preferred level of doneness.
How do I shell the chickpeas?
After they have cooled slightly, gently squeeze the pods to pop the chickpeas out.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Mexican Fresh Garbanzo Bean Snack is naturally vegan and plant-based.
Is this snack gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it contains only chickpeas, water, and salt.
What are some ways to serve these chickpeas?
They can be enjoyed straight from the pod as a snack or shelled and tossed into salads for extra protein.
How much salt is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt to flavor the steaming water.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed in the data, the recipe utilizes 2 cups of fresh chickpeas.
What is the flavor profile of fresh garbanzo beans?
They have a fresh, nutty flavor that distinguishes them from dried or canned chickpeas.
Do I need to peel the pods before steaming?
No, the chickpeas should be steamed while still inside their pods to retain moisture.
What is the texture of these chickpeas?
When cooked, they have a tender texture with a satisfying, slight crunch.
What amount of water is required for steaming?
You will need 1/3 cup of water to create the steam needed in the skillet.
Can I use these as a protein boost?
Yes, they are a great nutritious addition to meals and snacks for an added boost of protein.
How do I know when the chickpeas are finished cooking?
They are done when they become bright green and tender, which typically takes between 5 and 7 minutes.
Are fresh garbanzo beans a traditional Mexican snack?
Yes, they are a unique Mexican snack often compared to Japanese edamame.
What temperature should I use to heat the skillet?
Heat the cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat until it is hot before adding water.
Should the water be salted before adding it to the pan?
Yes, the salt should be dissolved in the water first to ensure even flavoring during steaming.
Are there any other names for fresh garbanzo beans?
They are also commonly referred to as fresh chickpeas or green garbanzos.
Is there any sugar added to this recipe?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar and is a savory snack.
What makes this snack a healthy choice?
Fresh garbanzo beans are a natural source of nutrients, making them a wholesome and healthy snack choice.
Can I find these at a regular grocery store?
They are specifically found in markets that stock Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, or Pakistani food items.
What should I do after removing them from the skillet?
Carefully remove the pods from the heat and allow them to cool slightly before shelling and eating.
Do I need a lid for the skillet?
Yes, a lid is essential to cover the skillet and steam the chickpeas effectively.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
This simple recipe requires only 3 ingredients: fresh chickpeas, water, and salt.