April 21

National Chickpea Day

Celebrate National Chickpea Day with delicious, nutritious recipes - from soups and salads to curries and falafel!

Yearly Date

April 21

Observed in

Introduction

It's time to get ready for National Chickpea Day on April 21! This day is a celebration of the beloved little legume and its rich history, which dates back thousands of years. Chickpeas have been used in various cuisines all over the world, from Middle Eastern falafel to Indian curries, and even as an alternative to flour for baking. Whether you're a fan of hummus or simply love snacking on roasted chickpeas, this is one day where you can indulge in your favorite chickpea-related dishes with no guilt. So get ready to celebrate National Chickpea Day by eating some delicious treats!

National Chickpea Day Timeline

7,500 BC

Cultivation Begins

Archaeological findings indicate that chickpeas were being cultivated in the Middle East as early as 7,500 BC.

1st Century AD

Chickpeas in Ancient Rome

Detailing about the health benefits of chickpeas were included in the pharmacopoeia, De Materia Medica, of ancient Rome.

1692

Intro to European Cuisine

Chickpeas were introduced in the European cuisine, particularly in Spain and Italy, during the Middle Ages.

1970s

Hummus Goes Global

The delicious chickpea spread, Hummus, gained international popularity during this time, becoming a staple in many households.

2010s

Rise of Alternative Flours

Because of their high protein and fiber content along with being gluten-free, chickpeas became a popular source for alternative flour in the 2010s.

2021

National Chickpea Day

The National Day Calendar officially recognized April 21 as National Chickpea Day, a day to celebrate this nutritious legume.

How to Celebrate National Chickpea Day

1 Make your own hummus

Making hummus is a fun and easy way to celebrate National Chickpea Day. All you need are chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and some spices. Simply blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender and you have your very own homemade hummus!

2 Go out for falafel

Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with chickpeas and spices. Find your local falafel joint and enjoy some delicious chickpea goodness!

3 Try a new chickpea recipe

There are so many delicious recipes out there featuring chickpeas! Try your hand at making a new one for National Chickpea Day. From curries to salads to soups, the possibilities are endless.

4 Host a chickpea potluck

Invite some friends over and ask everyone to bring a dish featuring chickpeas! You can sample each other’s dishes and share recipes while celebrating National Chickpea Day.

5 Learn about chickpeas

Learn more about the history and cultivation of chickpeas by reading books or researching online. You can even visit a local farm to get an up close look at how chickpeas are grown.

Why We Love National Chickpea Day

Chickpeas are nutritious

Chickpeas are an incredibly versatile, nutrient-dense legume that can easily be incorporated into a variety of dishes. They provide a great source of plant-based protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, folate, iron and magnesium.

Chickpeas are easy to prepare

Whether you're using canned or dried chickpeas, they are quick and easy to prepare. Just soak your dried chickpeas overnight in cold water, then boil until they reach the desired tenderness. For canned chickpeas, just rinse them before adding them to your dish!

Chickpeas are delicious

From chickpea salads and soups to curries and veggie burgers, there's a wide range of recipes you can make with chickpeas. And if you want something more decadent, why not try roasting them for a satisfying crunchy snack? Whatever way you serve them up, chickpeas are sure to please!