Chickpeas are full or protein and fibre, and likely less than 5 dollars for two pounds. Try buying a two pound steak for 5 bucks, and - there is little fibre in meat!
Chickpea salad is one of those typical summer salads you would make to accompany a few other salads and a protein of choice, like chicken, fish or a barbeque. It is best made ahead of time and the flavours left to infuse.
If you are soaking the beans, leave them at least for four hours, and then cook in the same water. Scoop the froth off that accumulates during cooking. Simmer for about 30 -45 minutes, drain then cool. Alternatively, you can use canned chickpeas to save on preparation time, but I believe there are always more health benefits to be obtained from the “real” thing. If you buy chickpeas, be sure to select those which are big, creamy coloured and plump. Avoid those small and excessively wrinkled chickpeas. Asian grocery stores often sell good quality chickpeas. Keep a few kilograms in stock, they keep for years and are a perfect food if you ever run out of fresh or canned foods.
Here in New Zealand we are prone to earthquakes so I always keep a good stock of dried seeds, nuts and grains.
First, make a simple dressing with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, simply add: