Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This versatile legume has been a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. Not only do chickpeas provide a substantial amount of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, but they also have a creamy texture and nutty flavor that can be adapted into a variety of dishes.

In this recipe, chickpeas take center stage as the base for a delicious and wholesome savory flan. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. The flan’s smooth, silky texture, combined with the rich, nutty flavor of chickpeas, creates a culinary experience reminiscent of a classic béchamel sauce, but without the need for dairy or heavy cream.

Chickpeas are particularly valued for their high fiber content, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They are also rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate, which contribute to heart health and overall well-being. Including chickpeas in your diet can aid in weight management by promoting satiety, thanks to their combination of protein and fiber. This savory flan is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a snack, offering a delightful way to incorporate more plant-based nutrition into your diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (yields approximately 2 ½ cups soaked chickpeas)
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 cups room temperature water
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ½ tbsp. baking powder
• Pinch of cumin (for seasoning)
• Pinch of chili pepper (for seasoning)

Directions

1. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with room temperature water.
2. Allow the chickpeas to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
3. Take the soaked chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly, drain very well, and transfer them to a blender.
4. Add the eggs, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to the blender.
5. Blend the ingredients until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Grease a baking pan or dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
8. Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the flan is golden brown and set.
9. Once baked, remove the chickpea flan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly and continue hardening.
10. Slice the flan into servings and season with additional salt, cumin, and chili pepper to taste, if desired.

Prep Time, Baking Information, and Servings

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Baking Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

• Energy: 346 calories
• Protein: 13.38 g
• Fat: 18.91 g
• Carbohydrates: 32.53 g
• Fiber: 6.1 g

Notes & Storage

• Store any leftover chickpea flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• You can make this recipe totally vegan by omitting the eggs.
• Enjoy this chickpea flan as a satisfying main dish or snack.