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Can you tell me about the use of lentils and chickpeas in Eritrean cooking?

Introduction: Eritrean cuisine

Eritrean cuisine is a unique blend of African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences. It is characterized by its use of spices, herbs, and legumes, which are a staple in Eritrean cooking. Lentils and chickpeas, in particular, are widely used in Eritrean dishes, providing a rich source of protein and essential nutrients.

Lentils: A staple in Eritrean cooking

Lentils are a fundamental ingredient in Eritrean cuisine, and are used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. Lentils are particularly popular during the fasting periods of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, where meat and dairy products are prohibited. Lentils are a great alternative source of protein, and are highly nutritious, making them an ideal ingredient for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Varieties of lentils used in Eritrean cuisine

There are several types of lentils used in Eritrean cooking. The most common variety is the red or brown lentil, which is often used in stews and soups. The green or French lentil is also widely used, particularly in salads. In addition, the black lentil, known as beluga lentil, is used in some traditional Eritrean recipes.

Health benefits of lentils in Eritrean dishes

Lentils are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and cholesterol, making them an ideal ingredient for heart-healthy diets. Lentils are known to help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. They are also a good source of iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia.

Chickpeas: A versatile legume in Eritrean cuisine

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are another staple in Eritrean cooking. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. Chickpeas are also a popular ingredient in traditional Eritrean bread, known as injera, where they are used to make a fermented batter.

Types of chickpeas used in Eritrean dishes

There are two main types of chickpeas used in Eritrean cooking, the kabuli or white chickpea, and the desi or black chickpea. The white chickpea is the most common variety, and is often used in stews and salads. The black chickpea is less common but is used in some traditional Eritrean dishes, particularly in the southern regions of the country.

Nutritional value of chickpeas in Eritrean cooking

Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and cholesterol, making them an ideal ingredient for heart-healthy diets. Chickpeas are known to help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion. They are also a good source of iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing anemia.

Traditional Eritrean recipes featuring lentils and chickpeas

Some of the most popular Eritrean dishes featuring lentils and chickpeas include shiro, a spicy stew made with ground lentils, and hummus, a dip made with chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. Another popular dish is kik alicha, a mild lentil stew flavored with spices and served with injera bread. These dishes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious, making them a great addition to any diet.

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10 Brilliant Recipes with Chickpeas

Chickpeas are small powerhouses and are increasingly finding their way into our kitchens – be it as a hummus dip or falafel balls. But legumes are even more versatile. We have put together 10 delicacies with chickpeas for you.

Chickpeas are wonderfully versatile, provide the body with plenty of vegetable protein and also keep you full for a long time. Enough reasons to include the small legumes in your diet more often, right? Here you will find our top recipes with chickpeas.

1. Creamy Hummus

Of course, we don’t want to withhold our great recipe for the chickpea dip from you. The mix of legumes, sesame paste, and spices taste particularly delicious on fresh bread or with vegetables. Especially in the barbecue season, hummus should not be missing on the table or picnic blanket.

2. Penne with tomato sauce and chickpeas

Attention pasta fans! The dish is on the table in no time, fills you up, and is also healthy. Chickpeas contain a lot of fiber and plenty of protein. And best of all, the recipe is ideal to take with you to the office. If you don’t like chickpeas that much, you can simply replace them with beans or tofu.

3. Quinoa Tomato Salad with Chickpeas

Quinoa and chickpeas are really an unbeatable combo because they taste just wonderfully harmonious. The salad is refined with tomatoes, coriander, and cucumber. That’s all it takes – easy, right?

4. Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Chickpeas

This great recipe can be modified over and over again! Because instead of rice, the peppers can also be filled with millet, buckwheat, or quinoa. The filling tastes just as delicious with aubergines or zucchini, for example. For an oriental touch, you can sprinkle freshly chopped mint over the peppers.

5. Falafel

Falafel is a great alternative for vegetarians, who are now also offering more and more kebab snacks. But the chickpea balls taste even better when you make them yourself. Here you will find our do-it-yourself falafel, which should not be missing from the recipes with chickpeas.

6. Oriental chickpea ragù

Admittedly, the dish sounds a bit unusual, but dare to try the delicious ragù recipe – it’s worth it! If you want it to go even faster or you just can’t get any fresh tomatoes, you can also use diced canned tomatoes for the sauce.

7. Chickpea Pocket

Do you think chickpeas only taste savory? Not even close! Because these sweet dumplings are the best proof. Dark chocolate, honey, and powdered sugar provide the sweetness in this recipe. At this point, we simply hide the calories – true to the motto: enjoy in moderation.

8. Fried chickpeas

This oriental after-work greeting is also one of our favorite recipes with chickpeas. The salad tastes wonderfully fresh and fills you up for a long time. And if there is anything left over from the chickpea recipe, you can use the leftovers as a protein-rich component for a green salad the next day.

9. Chickpea Apricot Curry

Normally, a curry usually contains chicken, vegetables, and coconut milk. But this curry is different. The main ingredients: are potatoes, apricots, and chickpeas. So if you want to try a new variation, this recipe is for you.

10. Pasta and pepper salad with chickpeas

Chickpeas also go very well with pasta. The advantage: If you use canned chickpeas, you don’t have to do anything with them, as the legumes are already pre-cooked and only have to be rinsed off. Dishes with pasta and chickpeas can also be prepared well in advance and taken away. The growling stomach at work is therefore a thing of the past.

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