Chickpea 'Fries'

Chickpea 'Fries' Recipe - Delicious Snack from Tunisia

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chickpea 'Fries' are a delicious and unique twist on traditional French fries. Made with chickpea flour, these fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish.

History

Chickpea 'Fries' have their origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where chickpeas are a staple ingredient. The recipe has been adapted and modernized over the years to create a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional potato fries.

Ingredients

2 cups of chickpea flour (about 0.5 lb (227 g))
2 tbsp of minced parsley
1 minced garlic clove
0.5 tsp of freshly ground pepper
salt
2.33 cups of water
vegetable oil, for frying

How to prepare

In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the chickpea flour with the parsley, garlic, pepper, and 1 tsp of salt. Whisk in the water in a thin stream until a smooth paste forms. Boil the mixture over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, until very thick, about 5 minutes. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.
Scrape the dough into a 12-by-7.5 inches baking dish and smooth the surface. Let it cool to room temperature. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the dough and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°. Unmold the chickpea dough onto a cutting board. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 0.5 inch-wide sticks. Fry the chickpea sticks in 2 batches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fries to paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

Variations

Add spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder to the chickpea flour mixture for extra flavor.
Top the fries with grated Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to whisk the chickpea flour mixture constantly while boiling to prevent lumps from forming.

- Refrigerating the dough before frying helps it set and hold its shape better.

- Fry the chickpea fries in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Chickpea 'Fries' can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as aioli, ketchup, or tahini.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the chickpea fries in hot oil helps them become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Be sure to fry them in batches for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chickpea flour, you can use regular flour or cornmeal as a substitute. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chickpea dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry. This makes it easy to have a quick and tasty snack on hand.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chickpea 'Fries' on a platter with a sprinkle of salt and a side of dipping sauce for a visually appealing and delicious dish.

Pairing Recommendations

Chickpea 'Fries' pair well with a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, salads, or sandwiches. They also make a great addition to a mezze platter.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chickpea 'Fries' in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until crispy and heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chickpea 'Fries' contains approximately 200 calories, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Chickpea 'Fries' are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

These fries are fried in vegetable oil, which adds some fat to the dish. Each serving contains around 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Chickpea flour is a rich source of plant-based protein. Each serving of Chickpea 'Fries' contains about 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains chickpea flour, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Chickpea 'Fries' are a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional French fries. They are high in carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Chickpea 'Fries' are a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional French fries. Made with chickpea flour, these fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack or side dish for any meal. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chickpea 'Fries'. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who was renowned for her delicious Italian dishes. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on espresso and chatting about life, she suddenly pulled out an old, stained recipe card from a drawer.

"Have you ever tried Chickpea 'Fries' before?" Maria asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar name. She proceeded to explain that they were a crispy, savory snack made from chickpea flour and spices, fried to perfection. My mouth watered at the thought of this new culinary adventure.

Maria's recipe was handed down to her from her grandmother, who hailed from a small village in Italy. She described how her Nonna would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing the batter and frying each fry to golden perfection. The tradition was passed down through the generations, and Maria was proud to share it with me.

As Maria read out the ingredients and instructions, I eagerly took notes, determined to recreate this delectable snack in my own kitchen. The recipe called for simple ingredients like chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Maria emphasized the importance of letting the batter rest for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

With a newfound sense of determination, I set out to gather the ingredients and prepare the batter for the Chickpea 'Fries'. As I mixed the flour and water together, adding in the spices and a generous drizzle of olive oil, the kitchen filled with a warm, earthy aroma that reminded me of Maria's cozy home.

After letting the batter rest for an hour, I carefully poured it into a lined baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. I popped it into the oven, eagerly awaiting the transformation of the batter into crispy, golden 'fries'. As the timer beeped and I pulled the dish out of the oven, a wave of excitement washed over me.

The Chickpea 'Fries' emerged from the oven, perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender, flavorful center. I couldn't resist snatching a few from the dish and savoring their delicious crunch and rich, savory flavor. I was transported back to Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family's culinary traditions.

From that moment on, Chickpea 'Fries' became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a cozy night in with a good book. Each time I prepared them, I would think of Maria and her cherished recipe, passed down through generations of passionate cooks.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with the unique flavor and texture of Chickpea 'Fries'. They became a beloved dish at gatherings and celebrations, sparking conversations and memories of times spent in the kitchen with loved ones.

I am forever grateful to Maria for introducing me to this delicious recipe, and for sharing her family's culinary heritage with me. The sense of anticipation I felt that sunny afternoon in her kitchen has blossomed into a lifelong passion for cooking and sharing delicious meals with those I hold dear. And every time I make a batch of Chickpea 'Fries', I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, creating memories and traditions that will endure for generations to come.