Naut beaten with sauce, bacon, sausages

Delicious Chickpea Mash with Bacon and Sausage Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today we will prepare a dish that combines tradition with innovation: chickpea mash with bacon and sausage sauce. This recipe is perfect for a hearty meal, full of flavor, that will impress both family and friends. Chickpeas, a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world, are not only tasty but also healthy, being an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber.

A brief history of chickpeas
Chickpeas are a legume that has been cultivated since ancient times and has been valued for its versatility. Originating from the Near East, chickpeas have been used in numerous traditional dishes and are now a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures. This chickpea mash recipe with bacon and sausage sauce is a modern reinterpretation of an old tradition, bringing together simple ingredients to create a spectacular result.

Ingredients
For the chickpea mash:
- 250 g dried chickpeas
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

For the sauce:
- 150 g sliced bacon
- 200 g lightly smoked fresh sausage (sliced)
- 1 large red onion (chopped)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (chopped)
- 2 roasted and peeled red bell peppers (diced)
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (optional)
- 1 cup tomato juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Preparation instructions
1. Preparing the chickpeas: Start by soaking the chickpeas in cold water overnight. This will reduce cooking time and help achieve a smoother texture. The next day, drain the chickpeas and rinse them several times.

2. Boiling the chickpeas: Place the chickpeas in a pot with fresh water and boil them until they become very soft, about 40-50 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the water doesn't drop too low. Once cooked, drain them, but keep a few tablespoons of the cooking water.

3. Mashing the chickpeas: Use a food processor to mash the cooked chickpeas. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If needed, gradually add some of the reserved water until you reach the desired consistency. The chickpea mash should be creamy, but not liquid. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the bacon and sausage and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Adding the vegetables: Once the bacon and sausage are ready, add the red onion, green onions, and celery. Sauté everything for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables become translucent.

6. Finishing the sauce: Add the bell pepper and chili paste (if using). Pour in the tomato juice, add salt and pepper to taste, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors combine. Finally, add thyme and freshly chopped parsley.

Serving
Serve the chickpea mash on a platter, with the bacon and sausage sauce on top. You can garnish with a few parsley leaves for a fresh look. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or a serving of grilled vegetables.

Practical tips
- Soaking the chickpeas: Do not skip the soaking step, as it aids digestion and improves texture.
- Texture of the chickpea mash: You can adjust the consistency of the chickpea mash by adding more water or olive oil, depending on your preferences.
- Variations: You can replace the bacon and sausage with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika to diversify the flavors.

Nutritional values
This recipe offers quality protein from chickpeas and a considerable amount of healthy fats from olive oil and bacon. Each serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of sauce used and specific ingredients.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use canned chickpeas?: Yes, you can use canned chickpeas to save time. Just make sure to rinse them well before use.
- What other sides can I use?: This dish pairs very well with fresh bread or warm flatbreads. You can also add Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- How can I store the chickpea mash?: You can store the chickpea mash in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water.

With this chickpea mash recipe with bacon and sausage sauce, you will transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!