Chickpeas: Gluten-Free or Not? You Should Know That

Are chickpeas gluten-free?

Both chickpeas and all other legumes do not naturally contain gluten and are therefore suitable for a gluten-free diet.

• Chickpeas contain 19 grams of protein and 16 fiber per 100 grams, making them a healthy source of protein and aiding in digestion.
• Chickpeas contain valuable nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. They are also low in fat.
• In addition to chickpeas, all other legumes such as peas, lentils, and beans are naturally gluten-free.
• Chickpeas must be cooked before consumption, as they contain the toxin phasing when raw, which is only destroyed by heating.
• Chickpea flour should also be heated before consumption to destroy the toxins it contains. Since the flour binds a lot of liquid, you should add enough water so that the dish does not become too dry.

Here’s how you can use chickpeas

Chickpeas are a versatile food that is used in both savory dishes and sweet recipes.

• Whole, cooked chickpeas go well with hearty dishes such as stews, soups, curries, or salads.
• Hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and spices and is great as a dip or spread. The cream can be seasoned in many ways and even made sweet.
• Crushed chickpeas are particularly good for making falafel or vegetable patties. You can serve these with rice, yogurt, or salad, among other things.
• When you season and roast chickpeas in the oven, you get a low-fat, high-protein alternative to chips.
• Chickpeas are also used in sweet dishes. For example, you can use them in the batter of brownies and muffins or in sweet energy balls.
• Chickpea flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and is suitable, among other things, for the preparation of flatbread, pancakes, or pizza dough.