CioBio Ceci Organic Chickpeas

Enjoy our new organic discovery from CioBio in Basilicata. These heirloom beans are from areas near the producer. The farms are in the villages of Aceranza and Genzano in Basilicata.

Ceci (chickpeas) are a precious food of the Mediterranean diet. CioBio's chickpeas are incredibly rich, savory, and satisfying with a firm texture. Sure, go with pasta e fagioli.

Chef Pasquale says, "We do add "battuto" (raw carrots, celery, onions, garlic) in the pot with water along with some fresh herbs such as thyme, sage, and rosemary, bring to a quick boil and reduce flame down to a simmer for the rest of the cooking time, low and slow." Add just a pinch of salt in the beginning and season to taste when the cooking is complete.

In the summer when it is hot outside, we think of a dish of fagioli (same base with battuto of vegetables) and we can add some mussels out of shells towards the end of the cooking and before serving it, we can add a spoon of freshly made pesto classico and "una Croce di oilo" (a Cross of oil) to finish it. Always finish "last" and do not mix in the oil. This is to enjoy the aromas of the excellent extra virgin olive oil.

They are ideal in salads and superb when the broth is cooked down and the beans are served as a bed for fish such as roasted salmon, seared tuna or branzino -- even lobster tail or shrimp. We particularly like warm beans drizzled with extra virgin olive oil!

Fagioli at room temperature or refrigerator cold (and cooked with the same base with battuto) will make a salad by adding high quality tuna in olive oil, celery leaves, red onion, olives and a hard-boiled egg, and of course "una Croce di olio" (a Cross of oil) at the end.

For use:

Soak in water 6/7 hours
Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

The dried beans can be soaked overnight and simmered in water with aromatics until tender, then used in a variety of dishes. Chickpeas are the perfect staple to keep on hand for use in soups, salads, and stews. In Italy, chickpeas are traditionally eaten in broth-based soups drizzled with olive oil and served with a slice of bruschetta (toasted bread).

Store in a cool, dry place.

500 grams. This listing is for one package.