Afghan Chick Peas?

[Claire]

Nephew just called me (hooray, hooray and hip hip hooray) to let me know about his safe return. But he really, really wanted to know if I could help him reproduce a meal he had when he was overseas. First I had to instruct him, since he'd bought dried chick peas. He was thinking he could make dinner tonight! What a laugh! I told him to go buy some canned. Said he couldn't find them. So I informed him of the various names he can find them under in his local grocery (likely a Publix, so I know they are there, he just didn't know that they're called garbanzos), recommended spices, etc. He was hoping to impress his girlfriend for dinner tonight. I told him some shortcuts for bean dishes.

But does anyone know any "authentic" Afghan bean dishes? Just curious.

 

[blissful]

I don't have an authentic recipe for you. Sorry.

2 Years ago, chick peas were not found dried or in cans at my markets--I'm in the midwest. I ended up buying 20 lbs from a wholesaler to get them, and split them with friends.
They seemed to be in short supply last year as well. I haven't checked this year.
They are also called Garbanzo beans, maybe he could look for those. Canned or dry. Check the vegetable aisle and the international foods, mexican etc.

They don't take quite as long to cook as say, northern beans. I cook them in big batches (hummus, salads) and freeze them so I have them ready and on hand. HTH

 

[mrs.mom]

I know a soup using dry chick peas. It is usually served here in Egypt. If you are interested I could post it for you.

 

[Bolas De Fraile]

Claire about 10 mins from where I used to live was a ethnic Indian area, it also housed refugees from Iraq,Iran,Kurdistan and Afghanistan. They had loads of traditional cafes, Nakod is the Afghani word for chickpea I think and I have eaten Chelo Nakod and Kofta Nakod, I found both and other good stuff googleing.

 

[Andy M.]

Claire, I googled 'Afghani garbanzo bean recipes' and got a lot of hits.

 

[jennyema]

We ate chickpeas in Iowa in the 1970's...

 

[Bolas De Fraile]

I know a soup using dry chick peas. It is usually served here in Egypt. If you are interested I could post it for you.

I am Mom, also BaBa Ganuj please.

 

[buckytom]

i keep picturing chick peas with tiny knitted ponchos around them...

 

[CWS4322]

Mrs. Mom--

I love chick peas. I can eat chick peas every day. Please share your recipe.

 

[blissful]

Since the shortage of chick peas this past few years, I haven't seen them often.
Priced them yesterday at the grocery store--they are available(!), dry--$0.99/lb. (a little more expensive than usual)
As a comparison, split peas were $0.75/lb, and northern beans were $0.75/lb.

This isn't an afghan recipe.

Soup:
Saute some chopped onions in olive oil.
Add:
2 cups garbanzo beans
2 cups red beans (kidney)
2 cups other beans (your choice)
4 cups tomato sauce/puree
2 cups zucchini (sliced)
Salt to taste
(I like basil in this soup)

Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.

Afghan cooking would most likely use chicken broth instead of tomatoes, and add potatoes.
Herbs and spices used in Afghan cooking:
Mint, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cilantro, cardamom and black pepper.
Common meats: chicken and lamb.

 

[mrs.mom]

Mrs. Mom--

I love chick peas. I can eat chick peas every day. Please share your recipe.

OK, this soup is very popular here in Egypt. It is usually served during the winter because it keeps you warm for a long time. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry chick peas, washed and soaked in room temp. water for 3 hours.
• 1 medium sized onion
• 6-7 cloves garlic
• 1 medium sized tomato
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. You can add more if you like it spicy
• salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of fresh lemon (poured on the soup at serving)

Preparation:

• Boil the chick peas in water that covers the peas
• keep boiling until they are tender. If the water evaporates, pour in more water to cover the chick peas
• Cut the onion and tomato into quarters and add them with the garlic in the food processor. Grind the vegetables.
• Now when the chick peas are tender, add in the vegetables, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
• keep boiling for 10 min.
• Serve hot with fresh drops of lemon juice in every serving.

I just need to mention that it is usually served in mugs rather than plates. Why? I don't know.
Enjoy

 

[taxlady]

What's that soup called Mrs. Mom?

 

[mrs.mom]

What's that soup called Mrs. Mom?

I only know the name in arabic. Humus alsham.