Found myself confused about whether Chickpeas and Garbanzo are the same or different things?
If you’re reading this article, chances are you have challenges establishing whether the two terms refer to the same thing. In some cases, you might have used the two terms interchangeably and felt confused or lost.
The short answer to your question – yes, they’re the same thing with a different name.
Read more about the details.
Table Of Contents
15-Second Summary
1. Chickpeas and garbanzo are two terms referring to the same bean.
They are interchangeably used when talking about Cicer arietinum. Therefore, the two terms have the same scientific classification, characteristics, uses, and health benefits.
2. English speakers commonly use Chickpea, while garbanzo Spanish speakers mostly use garbanzo.
However, some people use the two words interchangeably due to the close proximity between Spanish speakers and English speakers in the contemporary world.
3. The only possible garbanzo vs chickpeas difference is that the latter descended from Spanish speakers or Latin. The former descended from English speakers.
All other things are the same since the two terms refer to the same bean.
4. If you don’t have chickpeas on hand for cooking, you can find some of their substitutes, such as green peas, pinto beans, etc.
Are Garbanzo Beans Chickpeas?
Yes! Garbanzo beans are chickpeas.
Both garbanzo and chickpeas refer to the plant called Cicer arietinum, categorized in the legume family.
They refer to a common food recognized in almost all parts of the globe. The two names originated from two distinct cultures.
Although the two names may seem unrelated, they refer to the same bean or legume.
But why does the bean have two different names if there are no differences?
Today, English and Spanish speakers interact more often than not, particularly in the western world. As a result, you will find people using garbanzo and chickpeas interchangeably when referring to the same bean. One is the synonym of the other.
Fortunately, most grocery stores use the two names when labeling these beans to clarify any confusion.
Health Benefits of Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
After learning that the terms garbanzo and chickpeas are synonyms, let’s dig deeper to know the health benefits this legume provides to our bodies.
The following are health benefits you gain when you consume garbanzo or chickpeas.
Helpful to Lose Weight
Due to higher consumption of refined and manufactured foods, overweight, obesity, and other unhealthy conditions affect many people globally. As a result, many people are looking to cut their weight.
Eating garbanzo/chickpeas can help you lose weight.
These peas make you feel fuller; hence you do not desire to eat unhealthy foods for your body. They have higher nutrient levels and lower calories, allowing you to cut your weight considerably.
Protects You from Chronic Diseases
Consider eating garbanzo regularly, and you will be heading towards a safer side of developing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Full of Fiber & Protein
Chickpeas have a higher amount of fiber; hence, they can help keep our digestive systems healthy due to increased bowel movements and a more significant number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Eating high levels of fiber and protein enhances blood sugar regulation in the body. Garbanzo provides your body with a large amount of protein and fiber.
Additionally, garbanzo beans are known to have low glycemic levels.
When you eat chickpeas, you are likely to feel filled up for longer than other foods due to the large amounts of fiber and protein in these foods.
When these beans provide your body with these significant health benefits, it doesn’t matter whether you refer to them as garbanzo or chickpeas.
Uses of Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Whether fresh, dried, or canned, garbanzo can be versatile in your kitchen when preparing your recipes. Read on to identify their various uses of them;
1. Use garbanzo in soup, curry, and stew recipes.
You can include chickpeas in recipes such as Indian chana masala, sauce for chickpea curry, or simmer chickpeas in a broth.
Also, garbanzo can make delicious tomato sauce spiced with a blend of spices such as garam masala.
Some people enjoy eating chickpeas in a vegetarian stew combining creamy chickpeas prepared in a fragrant.
2. Prepare a thick and creamy soup even without adding any cream.
You only need to puree garbanzo with broth seasoned with vegetables. Such recipes are great for anyone wishing to follow a vegan or dairy-free diet.
3. For vegetarian sandwiches.
Chickpeas can be great for vegans wishing to enjoy sandwiches when smashed and sandwiched.
They make killer vegetarian sandwiches with a delicious taste that can make you forget your urge for meat at the first bite.
4. Roasted chickpeas.
With roasted chickpeas, you have almost every spice and herb.
You can prepare dried rosemary, Italian seasoning, curry powder, and smoked paprika. Make them more delicious with pepper and salt.
5. For salad.
Garbanzo beans can also be helpful if you wish to boost your standard tuna salad.
You can add them to a mayo-free recipe seasoned with canned tuna, red onion, capers, kalamata olives, and radicchio. The end product is refreshing tuna salad.
6. For a source of protein.
Have you ever lacked a protein source, and you are running out of time, meaning you can’t run to the store to buy something?
If this ever catches with you again, remember to use garbanzo beans as a protein option. These beans are a great source of protein.
