Chickpeas (Channa)

The chickpea, part of a legume family, was found in Asia and is very high in protein. It can be bought dried, but soak overnight before use and in cans from most supermarkets.

Chickpeas are used in Asian cookery and when ground to a powder, known as gram flour (besan), can be used when making a batter, for example vegetable fritters (pakoras) or for coating fish.