Crunchy, Nutty Fried Chickpeas Are an Amazing Protein-Packed Snack

Plus, some of our favorite hearty bean and grain recipes. [START FREE TRIAL]( or [LOG IN]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [America's Test Kitchen: Notes from the Test Kitchen]( [FIND RECIPES ›]( January 5, 2024 [A collection of recipes from this newsletter]( [A collection of recipes from this newsletter]( What’s New at ATK [Fried Chickpeas]( Crunchy, Nutty Fried Chickpeas Are an Amazing Protein-Packed Snack For the ultimate crunch, don’t be afraid to fry these little beans;[it’s easier than you think. Fry your chickpeas. →]( [A variety of nonalcoholic beers on ice]( How is Nonalcoholic Beer Made? Nonalcoholic beer has never been better, nor more popular.[But how is it made? Is it really alcohol-free? And is it really beer? →]( Catch The ATK Fan Favorites Marathon! Resolving to up your kitchen game this year? These fan favorite episodes from America’s Test Kitchen will take you on a global food tour from the comfort of home, making delicious dishes from bulgogi to baklava and everything in between.[Go to createtv.com to find your local station. →]( A Note From Our Test Cooks [Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice (Moros y Cristianos); Christie Morrison's Headshot]( Celebrating Beans and Grains From Christie Morrison, Executive Editor, Video and Cooking School The Mediterranean lifestyle of eating is all about focusing on fresh vegetables, seafood, whole grains, and beans and legumes. The idea of this fresh-focused way of eating (and living) after the excess of the holidays is like bright sunshine after a snowstorm—a relief, a balm, a way to make it through a long, cold winter. And while I’m a fan of all aspects of this diet, I’ve found the most satisfaction by incorporating beans and lentils into my own lifestyle. If you had told me four years ago that I’d be excited to get a pot of beans on the stove, I’d accuse you of indulging in too much eggnog. Of course, I reach for canned beans all the time, but in the past few years I’ve fallen in love with the flavor and texture of slow-cooked beans. They’re relatively inexpensive, full of protein, and so versatile! I return to the [Senate Navy Bean Soup]( I developed years ago for Cook’s Country when I feel a cold coming on, and this recipe for [Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice]( makes me think of warm climes and ocean breezes even in the middle of winter. But the world of dried beans is vast: Look beyond basic black, cannellini, or navy beans and you’ll find a wealth of different kinds: cranberry (or borlotti), gigante, lima—and that’s before you get into heirloom varieties. I’m very excited to try these [Stewed Cranberry Beans with Tomatoes and Sage]( from my pal Amanda Luchtel when I get down to cooking this weekend. If you think that dried beans are too much of a commitment, start with baby steps. Buy a bag of dried lentils. Lentils pack the same protein punch but, because of their size, cook much faster and don’t require soaking. If you want sturdy texture when cooked, stick with beluga (black) or green lentils. Brown lentils are great for soups where you want them to contribute starch and texture, while red lentils break down almost completely for smooth dals or this [Red Lentil Soup with Warm Spices]( recipe for the ages from Andrea Geary. While you can use the pasta method for cooking sturdier lentils, this recipe for [Lentil Salad with Olives, Mint, and Feta]( takes a gentle approach by baking the lentils in the oven for a hands-off method with even cooking. My favorite lentil recipe—hands down—is [Mujaddara](. This hearty, classic vegetarian dish from the Eastern Mediterranean is a rice and lentil pilaf containing large brown or green lentils simmered in warm spices and topped with crispy fried onion strings. Did you know that beans represent luck and prosperity for the New Year? That means that now’s the best time to grab a bag and get cooking! Members get every recipe, review, and video. Get instant access to everything from the most trusted cooking experts. [Start your 2-week free trial](. Livening Up Lentils [Rice and Lentils with Crispy Onions (Mujaddara) →]( [Lentil Salad with Olives, Mint, and Feta →]( [Red Lentil Soup with Warm Spices →]( Hearty Grain Salads [Wheat Berry Salad with Radicchio, Dried Cherries, and Pecans →]( [Bulgur Salad with Curry Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas →]( [Farro Salad with Asparagus, Radishes, and Parmesan →]( [For layout only] Fresh Picks for You [Easiest-Ever Biscuits →]( [Negroni →]( [Wisconsin Butter Burgers →]( [The Complete Beans and Grains Cookbook. Featured Recipe: Crispy Lentil and Herb Salad.]( The Complete Beans and Grains Cookbook Explore the wide world of beans and grains. Enjoy hearty breakfast burritos, homey soups and chilis, stir-fries, risottos, and more with 450+ vibrant recipes in this comprehensive guide to these powerhouse foods. [Order Now →]( [Pouring beans into a bowl of brine]( From Our Online Cooking School Brining Beans Prepare dried beans that are tender, creamy, and perfectly cooked with the help of our Online Cooking School. [view course]( Try Another Newsletter [The Essentials of Plant-Based Eating Newsletter Preview]( [Sign up for The Essentials of Plant-Based Eating →]( Your guide to plant-based eating. [Five-Ingredient Dinners Newsletter Preview]( [Sign up for Five-Ingredient Dinners →]( Make mealtime manageable with recipes and kitchen hacks from our test cooks. A Word from the Sponsors of America’s Test Kitchen [Sur La Table]( For over 50 years, Sur La Table has been dedicated to the simple idea: Make good food. Share it. Do it often. Sur La Table meets customers where they are in their cooking journey, fostering a passion for cooking by offering inspiring classes and high-quality tools from the world’s best kitchen brands. Visit us at [surlatable.com]( to start cooking. 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