It ‘s difficult to find a recipe that’s easier, tastier, or more nutritious than this. Whip these ingredients together for a quick sandwich, snack, appetizer, or to serve atop a salad. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) were originally cultivated in the Mediterranean and the Middle East but their reputation has spread. And it’s easy to see why. One cup of cooked chickpeas contains 15 grams of protein, 13 grams of dietary fiber, only 269 calories, and 0 grams of cholesterol. But in addition to being an excellent vegan and gluten-free source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also contain high levels of iron, vitamin B-6, magnesium and other minerals.