Healthy Snack: Fresh Garbanzo Bean “Poppers”
Posted April 28th, 2010 by noelle | View Comments
Take advantage of fresh garbanzo beans (still in their pods) which are currently in season, and just arriving to specialty food stores (including Whole Foods) on the East Coast from California. What a treat.
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Recently I noticed fresh garbanzo beans (also referred to as chick peas) taking a seat amongst the produce at my local Whole Foods here in New York. I love to explore. I have never had fresh garbanzo beans before and was anxious to try them. Residents of California, of course, may celebrate these fresh garbanzo beans in their backyards and at local farmers markets this spring given they are native to the region. Back East, we’ll have to rely on our specialty food stores for the occasional indulgence.
Fresh garbanzo beans can be eaten raw or roasted. They are also delicious sautéed in a pan with a little olive oil and Fleur de sel (a soft French sea salt) until the green pod turns tender. If you prefer, you can also steam the garbanzo beans in their pods in a little salt water. Pop the pods open with your fingers and eat the tender little green garbanzos. A fresh hummus made from these little delights would also be delicious.
Fresh Garbanzo Bean “Poppers”
Makes 1 – 2 servings
Ingredients
2 cups fresh garbanzo beans, shells intact
1 tablespoon of good olive oil
¼ teaspoon good sea salt
Directions
Add the olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Then when the olive oil is warm and is moving freely around the skillet, add the garbanzo beans. Move the beans around in the pan until tender and slightly golden. Remove the “poppers” from the pan. Pop the pods open with your fingers and eat!
