The Bean Book from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen
The Bean Book from the Rancho Gordo Kitchen
From Steven Sando, the founder of...
From £30.00 GBP
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Rare heirloom chickpeas - known as garbanzo beans in America - with a firm, meaty bite and a wonderful nuttiness that thrives in bold, high‑heat, flavour‑forward cooking The Heirloom Bean Co sources these and a range of other Phaseolus beans from North American bean specialist Rancho Gordo, founded in the early 2000s by Steve Sando to preserve and promote traditional and rare bean varieties of the Americas. |
These striking, inky black chickpeas are denser than the common or garden beige variety, with a toasty aroma and satisfyingly dense texture that stays firm even in long cooking. Traditionally used across parts of India and the Mediterranean, they excel in smoky braises, hearty soups, roasted‑veg dishes and warm salads. Their nutty depth pairs beautifully with spices, citrus and charred flavours. Black garbanzos are most famously associated with Italy, where they’re known as ceci neri. These chickpeas are cultivated in California.
Images & cooking instructions © Rancho Gordo Inc.
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Kitchen Suggestions
Black garbanzos hold their shape superbly in smoky braised dishes, teamed with paprika, cumin, chipotle or roasted tomato bases. They’re also great in warm salads, beans-and-greens sauté dishes and in tacos or tostadas, smashed lightly with spices for a hearty, plant‑forward filling that doesn’t fall apart. Or try them in a hummus or bean dip with a darker, nuttier profile than standard chickpeas.
Cooking these beans - the Rancho Gordo method
Check beans for debris, and rinse thoroughly. In a large pot, sauté aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic, celery, carrot etc.) in olive oil. Add beans and enough water to cover by about 2 inches/5cm. Bring to a full boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, using a lid to help regulate the heat, and gently cook until done, 1 to 3 hours. Salt when beans start to soften. A pre-soak of 2 to 6 hours will lessen the cooking time.
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Ingredients
Black Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)
Similar to: Garbanzo (chickpeas)
Latin name: Cicer arietinum
Country of origin: USA
Sold in resealable 1lb (453g) bags
