As one of the most tasty and traditional Cuban dishes, Cuban Fried Chickpeas deliver that unique contrast between crunch and flavor that makes them unforgettable. They’re the perfect side dish when you’re serving up your favorite Cuban barbecue, and they pair well with just about any Cuban fare. Of course, once you have tasted them, you will see that these little flavor bombs are also great on their own, as a snack or the main course.
The flavor of Cuban Fried Chickpeas is uncomplicated, yet complex in that it provides a variety of tastes in every bite. First, the chickpeas are lightly browned and become savory and crunchy. The sofrito and fresh parsley and lime zest give them that unforgettable Caribbean taste.
Ingredients for Cuban Fried Chickpeas
In order to recreate the Cuban Fried Chickpeas, it’s important to use only the best quality ingredients.
– Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas): You will need half a cup of dried chickpeas or a big can of precocinar responsible if you prefer.
– Olive oil: Extra Virgin Olive oil offers the best flavor to the Cuban Fried Chickpeas.
– Sofrito: Sofrito is a tangy paste that comes from slowly caramelizing onions, garlic and tomato paste. It’s rich in flavor and really sets off the chickpeas in this dish, so don’t skip this step!
– Fresh parsley: A huge bunch of fresh parsley, chopped fine.
– Lime zest: One big lime and a zester.
– Salt: A sprinkle of salt finishes the dish.
How to Prepare Cuban Fried Chickpeas
The preparation of Cuban Fried Chickpeas is quite easy and straightforward. In only five steps, you can have this dish fully prepared and ready to enjoy:
1. Begin by prepping the garbanzo beans: Drain the canned chickpeas and paper towel dry them, or soak the dried chickpeas for a few hours or overnight.
2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron pan: When the pan is hot, throw in the chickpeas and cook for a few minutes until they are lightly browned. Make sure you are stirring constantly to avoid any burning.
3. Add the sofrito and continue cooking: This adds a ton of flavor to the dish. Cook for about a minute to meld the flavors.
4. Add the parsley and lime zest: Stir well and cook for another two minutes to combine the ingredients.
5. Season your fried chickpeas to taste: Add a sprinkle of salt and stir, then remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Variations for Cuban Fried Chickpeas
Cuban Fried Chickpeas lend themselves well to a variety of different flavor profiles. Some other ingredients you can add in place of, or in addition to, those mentioned above are: red, yellow, or orange bell peppers; jalapenos; Serrano peppers; cumin; coriander; oregano; mint; and avocado, to name a few.
Serving Suggestions for Cuban Fried Chickpeas
Cuban Fried Chickpeas are such a versatile dish, that they can be served as a side, a small plate, or even the main course in and of themselves. Pair them with rice, beans, and salads for even more Caribbean flair.
They also make a great accompaniment to traditional Cuban barbecue dishes. Just make sure to cook them in a separate pan, since their flavors aren’t quite a fit for the smoky barbecue flavor.
The Benefits of Eating Cuban Fried Chickpeas
It goes without saying that enjoying a plate of delicious Cuban Fried Chickpeas has its own set of benefits.
– Great source of protein: Chickpeas are an awesome source of plant-based protein, helping to keep you feeling full longer.
– Packed with fiber: Fiber helps to improve digestion, while also keeping you feeling fuller with less amount of food.
– Nutrient rich: Chickpeas are also packed with a score of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and folate.
In short, Cuban Fried Chickpeas are a delicious, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make dish. Once you try these delectable flavor bombs, you’ll be hooked!
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