We consider beans one of our favorite pantry staples! As one of the world's oldest cultivated crops, beans (also known as legumes or pulses) are highly prized as an excellent source of protein and fiber. They’re also extremely versatile: from soups and stews, salads to dips, there are so many ways to use this nutrient-packed food.

Thrive Market’s prepared garbanzo beans are grown, processed, and packed right here in the USA. Our specially selected beans go through a patented cleaning process to removes any debris prior to cooking. Once cooked, the beans are carefully packed in water in BPA-free pouches, allowing them to maintain their shape and texture. But that’s not all, these 10 oz. pouches are shelf stable and will be good to eat for up to two years.

As always, Thrive Market strives to offer the best whole food products, and our beans are no exception. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors—just natural bean goodness.

A brief introduction to garbanzo beans

Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are the second most widely grown legume in the world behind soybeans. These easy-to-store, nutrient-rich legumes originated over 10,000 years ago in the area known as the Fertile Crescent, which includes present-day Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Turkey and Iran. Since they are of the eight crops that helped originate agriculture, chickpeas are a staple across the Middle East, Africa, and India.

A nutritionist’s dream food

The garbanzo bean might be small, but it packs in the nutrition department. Here’s why beans like this one should be part of your regular diet:

Rich in Nutrients: Garbanzo beans have plenty of iron, magnesium, and folate.

Source of Lean Protein: Each serving of garbanzo beans contains 7 grams of protein, making this a great plant-based protein source.

High in Fiber: The insoluble fiber in beans is an important dietary ingredient that is beneficial to the digestive system.

One small step away from complete

Complete proteins are made up of nine essential amino acids that we need to function. A “complete” or “whole” protein usually comes from meat, dairy, soy, or quinoa. If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or someone who simply wants to cut back on animal proteins or soy, then beans are the perfect way to do it. Garbanzo beans, specifically, contain eight of the nine basic amino acids that make up a “complete” protein, but are a little low on methionine. All you have to do is eat some whole grain bread or brown rice to “complete” the protein.

The amazing antioxidant superhero

We hear about antioxidants a lot, but what exactly makes them such a big deal? Antioxidants are a type of phytochemical that fights "free radicals”, or rogue molecules, that disrupt normal cell function in the body. Naturally, our body produces free radicals as a byproduct of cell metabolism, and normally we can handle them. But eating foods that are high in antioxidants can help protect cells when free radicals overpopulate—this sometimes due to environmental factors like pollution. To get to the point, since garbanzo beans are chock full of antioxidants, they may be useful in detoxifying these free radicals, possibly reducing the risk of cell disruption in the body and allowing you to feel your best self.

An extremely versatile bean

Garbanzo beans have long been a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean diets, but are also commonly consumed by people in India and Mexico. From falafel to hummus to chana masala, chickpeas are a great source of nutrition and are totally versatile. If you’re new to cooking with garbanzos, try one of these easy recipes:

Traditional Hummus

All you need is a can of chickpeas, a few ingredients from your pantry, and your trusty food processor or high-speed blender.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Juice of 2 lemons
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tahini
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Check seasoning and adjust as needed. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.

Chickpea Patties

These bright little chickpea patties are wonderfully addictive on their own or as the main component to a simple pita sandwich, with parsley, cucumbers, cabbage, and yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

1 cup packed almond flour
1 can chickpeas, mashed
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons tahini
3 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 large onion, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
1 bunch parsley, chopped
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 tablespoon sumac (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Form into small patties 2 inches wide.

Heat a little oil in frying pan and working in batches, cook patties in skillet over medium heat, 2 minutes each side, until browned and crispy. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cook 5 minutes in oven to cook through.

Besides these easy yet oh so tasty dishes, there are a variety of ways to use these beans that even a cooking novice can handle. For example, toss a handful of garbanzo beans with some lettuce, chopped cucumber, tomato, and a squirt of lemon juice. You can even pan-roast garbanzo beans in oil and spices for a warm snack. Craving something more substantial? Mash the beans up with spices and other veggies to make a meatless burger patty.

More about Thrive Market products

At Thrive Market, our mission is to bring you the highest quality organic goods at truly affordable prices. That's why we've gone directly to the source to develop our own line of premium products made from the very best all-natural ingredients at a fraction of the usual price.

Finally, you don't need to choose between cost and quality, taste and health, value and your values. If it has the Thrive Market seal, you can trust that you're getting the highest quality product possible at the best price possible. Shop our premium, organic, and fair-trade certified virgin coconut oil, spices, nuts and dried fruit, tomato sauces, ghee, and sprouted grains today!