A couple of months ago, Paul returned from Costco with a big bag of frozen green chickpeas. I had heard about them, but never tried them, so I was pretty excited about his food find.
Green chickpeas are the raw, fresh form of chickpeas we know and love. They aren’t a fresh legume you find often in markets, but it is becoming easier to find them frozen. The taste, to me, is somewhat a cross between edamame and green peas. So, I think they would substitute well in many dishes where you might use either green peas or edamame. I first tried them in a cooked dish (briefly cooking through), and really enjoyed them. Then, I turned my thoughts to…
Hummus. Glorious ! I’ve only ever made hummus with cooked legumes, so I wasn’t sure the fam would dig this more ‘raw’ version. Plus it was green. That’s usually tricky with kids. Well, to my surprise and delight, the green chickpea hummus was a hit! With Paul and the older girls, anyhow. Our 5-year old is in the stage where everything green (other than green smoothies) is “ewwww”, so her vote doesn’t count right now. 😉
Personally, I would choose this over classic hummus… at least most days! The combination of flavors is a little addictive, and it is just so fresh and vibrant. We noshed on it straight up, but you could also use it in sandwiches and wraps, or for topping sweet spuds (that combination would be tasty)!
If you can get your hands on some frozen green chickpeas, they are worth experimenting with. If you can’t find them, try substituting frozen edamame here, or a half-and-half combo of frozen edamame and frozen green peas.
Green Chickpea Hummus
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen green chickpeas, blanched and drained (see note)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 medium clove garlic can use larger if you love garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves don’t omit!
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 1/2 - 3 tbsp tahini
- 3/4 - 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2-3 tbsp water or more if desired to thin
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
Instructions
- In a food processor (see note), combine all ingredients, starting with 3/4 tsp of salt and 2 tbsp of water. Puree until smoothed out, scraping down the processor bowl as needed. Taste, and add additional salt to taste, and extra water to thin out as desired. Serve!
Notes
Please share your ideas for using green chickpeas, and of course your feedback on this recipe!
Enjoy…
x Dreena
Shalini says
These are called choliya (or cholia) in Hindi. I loved eating them raw when I was younger, straight out of the pod. I will have to check our local Costco next time to see if they carry them. These can also be cooked with some Indian spices and potatoes for a yummy dish.
This talk of roasting chickpeas reminded me that growing up, we used to sprout black chanas (black chickpeas) for 3-4 days and then roast them on a tava (cast iron skillet used for making Indian flatbread, or rotis) with some salt. Made for a delicious and healthy snack. Even my kids enjoy this snack. I need to go sprout some black chanas now!
Tami@NutmegNotebook says
I have never heard of green chickpeas but I will be looking for them now! I love all different kinds of hummus and this one looks fantastic!
Jennifer says
Any kind of Hummus is great! It being green and something outside of the spinach and/or avocado box is even better – love how versatile hummus is…and how versatile chickpeas are! YUM!!!!
BTW…I have a Raw/Vegan Giveaway happening on my blog thru 8am est tomorrow (Friday)
Charlie Morrison says
I haven’t been to Costco for a long time. Way before I turned vegan. Does Costco have a good selection of foods and such that are vegan?
Dreena says
Charlie, they have some finds there like quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds, spelt flour, frozen organic fruit, etc. Worth a big shop once in a while!
Emma says
I’ve heard of green chickpeas but haven’t seen them over here yet. I’m wondering if the taste is anything like sprouted chickpeas? I’ve turned those into hummus before and enjoyed the result. Not quite such a cool colour though!
Dreena says
Now that’s a good question, Emma! I haven’t experimented with sprouted chickpeas but generally find sprouted legumes more bitter/grassy. These reminded me a little of green peas. Hope you find some to try!! x