Isabella Akshay

Jul 18, 20211 min

Ceci Verdi (Fresh Green Chickpeas)

We have farmers’ markets every day of the week in my hometown and the experience of going there can be a bit…intense! Very loud, hot, the smell coming from the different stalls is a true sensory experience.

I went to the Saturday market yesterday and saw an old lady walking away from my favourite stall with a huge bag of green chickpeas.

I had to stop her to ask how she was going to prepare them. She kindly said the following:

  • Heat plenty olive oil, sauté a large red onion, sliced very thinly, season with salt, pepper and rosemary.

  • Add the shelled green chickpeas and a little water. Cook, covered for 20 minutes or until they are tender.

  • Lastly, add freshly chopped tomatoes, another drizzle of olive oil and serve.

And so I did.

I was mind-blown by the simplicity and freshness.

Chickpeas grow each in their cute little pod so shelling them can take some time, but it's such a relaxing process.

So far I had only tasted green chickpeas raw, and not here but in India during a road trip to Goa a few years ago!

Give this simple dish a try and let me know your thoughts.

Word of the Day

Cipolla

(Onion, pronounced chee·pól·la)

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