What is the difference between chickpeas vs hominy, or are they both the same. Recently, Chickpeas and Hominy have become healthy foods and are often used as healthy snacks instead of chips. It is a source of plant-based protein, and everyone wants to eat Chickpeas and Hominy to get that plant-based protein. However, are they both the same or which one is healthier between them? If you are curious about this, let’s take a look at the following comparison of Chickpeas vs Hominy.
Here we will look at the differences between the two and you can decide for yourself which is healthier, whether Chickpeas or Hominy. But what is clear is that both are sources of vegetable protein which are important for body health.
Chickpeas vs Hominy
Chickpeas are an annual plant from Asia with the scientific name cicer arietinum, they belong to the pea family, planted for their seeds. While Hominy is processed corn grain, it has gone through a unique chemical process so that the grain is easier to cook or eat.
If you want to know more about the two, especially the difference between chickpeas and hominy, how to use them, recipes for both, substitutes for chickpeas and hominy and so on, here we will explain everything.
What Are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas come in various colors, some are red, green, brown, and black. Brown chickpeas are commonly used in making dishes such as hummus and falafel. Sometimes this type is also used as an ingredient for making curry, or a spicy Indian dish called Chana masala.
Chickpeas come in two variants, if you want to buy them, you can look for one of these two types.
Canned Chickpeas
You can eat these chickpeas straight away, open the can and you can eat them straight away because the canned chickpeas have already been cooked. However, before you eat it, it’s best to rinse it first with water to reduce excess salt.
Dried Chickpeas
Meanwhile, dried chickpeas are the type that have not been cooked, to eat them they must be cooked first. Dried chickpeas can last a long time if stored in an airtight container. The shelf life of dried chickpeas in an airtight bag can be many years.
The longer it is stored, the harder the seeds will be and they will take longer to cook.
What Is Hominy?
Hominy is a type of corn and it is not eaten raw. Combining maize and hominy is a traditional way of making hominy. This is a habit of people in Mesoamerica and has been going on for quite a long time, even thousands of years ago.
Making hominy is by processing corn, removing the skin from the corn, softening the inside. The way to soften it is to soak it in an alkaline solution or lime solution and then rinse it repeatedly until it is clean.
When winter comes, chefs will look for ways to preserve corn as fresh as possible. Here the goal is to maintain or increase the nutritional value of corn, and prevent corn kernels from sprouting during the storage period.
Hominy has a rich taste and aroma, and it reminds you of grits, or tortillas freshly prepared from freshly harvested corn.
Differences Between Chickpea And Hominy
At a glance we have seen the meaning of chickpeas and Hominy. Both are almost the same, both in terms of appearance and taste. But each of them has a different taste and unique quality, they each have their own unique qualities.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Chickpeas vs Hominy below.
Taste
Chickpeas are included in the legume group, so of course the taste of chickpeas is similar to beans. The starch content of chickpeas means these beans are often compared to cannellini and pinto beans. It tastes nutty, earthy and many people like it.
While Hominy is a type of grain derived from corn, it tastes soft and sweet. But the nixtamalization process makes the natural spicy taste of corn appear. The texture is soft but there is a feeling of elasticity.
In many cases, hominy is considered tastier and tastier than white hominy.
Nutrition
Furthermore, chickpeas vs hominy from a nutritional perspective also have differences. Chickpeas are considered richer in nutrients than hominy. One cup of chickpeas contains 269 calories, 14.5 grams of protein, 4.25 grams of fat, 44.9 g of carbohydrates and also contains 12.5 grams of fiber, according to data from the USDA.
Apart from that, chickpeas also contain abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you eat a lot of chickpeas or hummus (made with chickpeas) every day, you will be supplied with fiber, vitamins A, E, and C, folate, magnesium, iron, potassium, as published in the nutrient journal.
Meanwhile, hominy also has health benefits. One cup contains 119 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and is high in carbohydrates, namely 24 grams of carbohydrates. Chickpeas contain lots of fiber and iron.
Storage
How to store chickpeas is very easy, once they are cold, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this will last up to 3 days and stay fresh, you can also extend the shelf life of chickpeas by freezing them in the freezer and this can last for 6 months.
Fresh hominy should be eaten and finished as soon as possible after cooking, but you can also store it in the refrigerator for a shelf life of 5 days.
After boiling and draining, hominy can also be frozen and can last up to 4 months, but follow the recommended storage procedures. Make a label on the packaging so you can easily identify it.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Hominy
One of the health benefits of chickpeas is the presence of protein which is useful for bone health, muscle health and to increase skin elasticity.
Chickpeas and grains are an important source of protein for vegetarians and this can reduce meat intake. Just one cup of chickpeas contains more than a third of an adult’s protein needs. Other health benefits include preventing diabetes, high blood pressure and chickpeas can also prevent cancer.
While Hominy is the best food source for those who want to avoid gluten from their diet, hominy is a grain that has been processed and is gluten free.
Canned grits contain no gluten, and hominy is a great source of energy because it contains a lot of carbohydrates. If you are sensitive to gluten then hominy is a food you can eat without having to worry about gluten.
Hominy is rich in vitamin B, after nixtamalization, this vitamin is then converted into a form that is easier for the body to bind. B vitamins are important for energy production, healthy red blood cells, and preventing nutritional deficiencies.
How To Use Chickpeas
Chickpeas are widely used in making foods such as hummus. Chickpeas or garbanzos can provide a smooth spread when mixed with tahini and olive oil, and then used as a dip on vegetables, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches.
Want to know how to use chickpeas in dishes, here are some ways you need to know.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted green beans can be used as a delicious and delicious snack in the afternoon, this will reduce your snacking on unhealthy foods in the afternoon.
You don’t have to enjoy roasted chickpeas on their own, but you can also sprinkle them on top of your favorite salad. This will be a source of protein, provide crunch and of course healthy for you.
Soups And Stews
You can use chickpeas in curries, soups and stews. This is suitable for you to use in a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or on the stove over medium heat.
You can make chickpeas curry like Ree’s with easily available ingredients, including chickpeas as the main ingredient.
Sandwich
The use of chickpeas also decorates your sandwich, this is a vegetarian sandwich that uses crushed chickpeas as an ingredient to make the base of the sandwich.
You can also make chickpeas polish by mashing them, adding a little olive oil, herbs and spices of your choice. Also, you can make a delicious spread by mashing chickpeas and adding a little avocado.
Try piling green beans, tomatoes, bean sprouts, cucumber and spinach on crusty bread, this will provide crunch, nutrition and a different experience.
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