Guasanas (mexican Fresh Chickpea/garbanzo Snack)

Nose's Note:

These are like Mexican edamame. I didn't know what the fresh chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) were when I saw them in the store. They come in little bright green, slightly hairy pods. Finally a sign appeared - "garbanzo." I peeked inside a broken pod, and, sure enough, recognized the familiar shape. Then I had to figure out ways to eat them. I learned about this typical Mexican snack. You can eat them out of the pods, or shell a cupful and add them to salads. If you don't have a skillet, you can also steam or boil them in a saucepan. You may be able to find the fresh chickpeas in stores that carry a lot of Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, or Pakistani foods.

• Total Time: 5 mins
• Prep Time: 2 mins
• Cook Time: 3 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 1

• 2 cups fresh chickpeas, in pods
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Wash the chickpeas.
2. Add the salt to the water.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or a griddle.
4. Pour the salted water onto the skillet.
5. Put the chickpeas, still in their pods, in the steaming water.
6. Let steam for a few minutes, until the pods are bright green and a bit tender - test one to see if the chickpea is ready - you can even eat them raw, so they really don't need to cook much.
7. Remove all the chickpeas in their pods from the skillet. Shell and eat as a healthy snack.

Reviews

[Skipper/Sy]

I as well found these chic peas in a pod at an Italian/Mexican small grocery store. And was surprised to see a recipe on RecipeZaar. I put them in some boiling water and salt for a few minutes. Then let cool, removed the peas from the pods. Next used the bright green peas in a soup.

[Ale]

Delicious to the max!!!!