Chickpea Cream with Spiced Croutons

Here is the recipe for a delicious chickpea cream with spiced croutons.

Ingredients for the chickpea cream:

• 400 g of cooked chickpeas (about one can if you use canned chickpeas)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 500 ml of vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sprig of rosemary (optional)

Ingredients for the spiced croutons:

• Slices of homemade bread
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Start with the chickpea cream. Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (whole or chopped, according to your preference) and let it brown for a few minutes.
2. Add the drained chickpeas and let them flavor for a couple of minutes. If you like, also add a sprig of rosemary for flavoring.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a slight boil. Let cook for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the sprig of rosemary and the garlic if you left it whole. Blend the chickpeas with an immersion blender until you get a smooth cream. If necessary, add more broth to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
5. Now prepare the spiced croutons. Cut the bread into cubes and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the bread cubes with a little extra virgin olive oil.
6. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the bread cubes, making sure they are well seasoned.
7. Bake the croutons in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy and golden.
8. Serve the warm chickpea cream with the spiced croutons.

Did You Know?

Chickpeas are a very versatile and healthy ingredient, rich in proteins and fibers. This cream can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish, perhaps accompanied by a sprinkle of grated cheese for an Italian touch.