Beans, Peas & Lentils! - Chickpeas / ΡΕΒΙΘΙΑ
We have left the most versatile and delicious legume for our last blog of the series.
Chickpeas, or ρεβιθια (revithia) in Greek, are also known a garbanzo/ceci in Italian.
Chickpeas go waaay way back in history. The appear in early recordings in Turkey about 3500 BC. Chickpeas are grown in more than 50 countries. They are an excellent source of carbohydrate, protein, fibre, B vitamins, and some minerals, they are a nutritious staple of many diets.
One of the simplest recipes to make with chickpeas is HUMMUS.
The recipe that we use most often is not Greek, it actually has origins from Jerusalem, thanks to Yotam Ottolenghi. No fat is added to the making of the hummus, but I drizzled some on top...you know for the Greek touch 😉
Another yumalicious way to use chickpeas is to make Chickpea Fritters, or Ρεβιθοκεφτεδες (Revithokeftedes). Very similar to the Middle Eastern falafel but the chickpeas are not so finely processed and they are loaded with mint and lemon.
Our favourite recipe is from our friends at Kalymnos Pastries. Click here for recipe
If you want to try them before you make them head on down to see the KP Team...if your'e in Adelaide that is! 😉
We have used them as a substitute for meat when making yiros, together with tahini yoghurt and hummus...YUUUUM! 🤤
...or another yummy way to eat revithokeftedes, is to make a light tomato sauce to smother the fritters with.
Chickpeas are also super delicious in this Greek Lemony Chickpea & Rice Soup.
Check out the video and recipe from The Hellenic Odyssey for this recipe.
We haven't finished yet! There are more ways to cook a chickpea!!
You can bake them in the oven for a very mooorish snack Crispy Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
You can add them to a stew Chicken & Chickpea Tagine
You can bake with chickpea, or besan flour heaps of recipe ideas here
You can add them to a salad, Ottolenghi style Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad
So that's our story on the versatile chickpea. We love so many other people's recipes that we haven't had time to source them from our families and friends yet, but we will find an authentic Greek family recipe to share with you.
There is so much to look forward to in the warmer months and we can't wait.
Let's Eat! - A Collection of Family Recipes is creating a cookbook which will be released in 2022.
In the meantime we will be posting dishes to raise awareness, practice recipes and of course to tempt your appetite 😉