Why Chickpea Bread Is Just The Right Thing For You
Are you always looking out for healthy eating options in a world full of processed carbs? Do you wish you could replace that white bread with something guilt-free yet delicious? Then chickpea bread is the answer to your search for low-carb, grain-free bread.
Recently I was amused to read that the global chickpea market is expected to grow to $3.5 by 2022. So what was amusing, you may ask. Well, anybody originating from south-east Asia will surely find it funny to see ‘chickpea’ or ‘chickpea bread’ trending!
One of the staple food of our diet since times immemorial, we call this bread, ‘besan ki roti’ in our part of the world and enjoy it with spiced yoghurt and mint chutney. Thanks to the keto diet, the interest in chickpea containing foods has skyrocketed internationally. In fact, I was startled to read about InnovoPro, a chickpea protein powder startup company that raised a $3M Series B Round! Ah! If only I could see through the opportunity all these years while dipping flavourful bites of chickpea flatbread in garlic mint sauce topped with pickles! Good news is that the demand continues to sore high.
What's So Good About It?
Chickpea bread ticks all the right boxes when looking for a gluten-free alternative to refined wheat flour. Bursting with healthy fats and nutrients, low in calories and carbs, yet scoring high on fibre and protein, it is the perfect alternative to high carb bakery products.
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According to research, it also helps in lowering the content of acrylamide (a cancer-causing substance), in processed foods such as chips, bread and snacks. Coating potato chips with chickpea flour limits the formation of acrylamide.
And what's more it is really beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes as it helps in blood sugar management.
How Do I Make It?
You can stock up this wonderful ingredient in your pantry for cooking some delicious and healthy recipes. You can also bake and grind pre-cooked chickpeas for making chickpea breadcrumbs.
Here are some links that will help you make different variations for your daily bread.
Socca: An Italian version of a pancake, made with chickpea flour, cooked in a skillet and topped with herbs.
Chickpea Bread: A mouth-watering, 5 ingredient, vegan bread.
Chickpea Flatbread: Made by forming a dough, combining chickpea flour with spices and fried in clarified butter.
Looking at the rising popularity and market trends, it is certain that chickpeas are here to stay! Try replacing your wheat bread with healthy and nutritious alternatives. Bon Appétit!
