Pasta & rice main dishes

Ciceri and tria

⏱ 200 min🍳 200 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Ciceri e tria means, in the Salento dialect, pasta and chickpeas. It is a recipe of truly disarming simplicity. Yet, this incredible simplicity is counterpointed by a truly extraordinary flavor. You will need very few ingredients to savor one of the cornerstones of the Salento tradition and to fall in love, bite after bite. Take advantage of the Box signed by LaTerraDiPuglia to prepare your Ciceri and Tria thanks to the right but above all genuine and local ingredients.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
65g
Fat
18g
Fiber
8g

* approximate values per serving

Information
200 minutes Total time
200 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Soak the chickpeas from the night before, and in the morning put them in a pot with the herbs (celery, carrot and onion), covering them with at least two fingers of water and taking care, during cooking, to check that its level remains always constant and adding more when necessary, always very hot. Cook over low heat for at least three hours, adding salt only at the end.
Put the oil in a saucepan and fry, until golden brown, 50 g of "tria". In the pot of chickpeas, add the remaining pasta and cook, stirring gently. Before draining and serving, add the already fried tria together with its oil and continue cooking for a minute. Turn off, pour a drizzle of oil and add a grind of white pepper.
Serve with a good glass of Negroamaro IGP red wine.

Tips
If you want to give an even more delicious touch to this recipe, serve it with cubes of bread fried in oil.
Trivia
In Salento the "tria" is a handmade pasta, as wide as a pappardella but much more rustic. It is also served with other types of condiments, such as with tomato or "mugnuli", the typical Lecce broccoli found during the winter season.

Step by step

keep some tria aside
keep some tria aside
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Chickpeas and Fried Long Pasta

One of the most appreciated variations of Chickpeas and Fried Long Pasta is the one that includes the use of fried long pasta, an element that further enriches the dish. The preparation remains similar, but the addition of tria, a typical pasta from Puglia, gives a unique crunchiness. To make this variation, after cooking the chickpeas for a long time with vegetables, the pasta is fried in extra virgin olive oil until achieving a perfect golden color. This step not only imparts a delicious flavor but creates a contrast of textures between the soft chickpeas and the crunchy pasta. Serving Chickpeas and Fried Long Pasta is a way to make the dish even more inviting, ideal for a family dinner or a Sunday lunch.

Chickpeas and Puglian Style Pasta

The traditional version of Chickpeas and Puglian Style Pasta is a classic of Puglian cuisine, encapsulating the essence of the region's flavors. Prepared with simple ingredients, this dish is a true expression of the local gastronomic culture. The chickpeas, slowly cooked with celery, carrots, and onions, blend perfectly with the tria, which is cooked to remain al dente. The recipe also includes a pinch of pepper to enhance the flavor of the legumes. This preparation is often served on special occasions and during holidays, representing a deep connection to Puglian culinary traditions. Tasting Chickpeas and Puglian Style Pasta means immersing oneself in the history and culture of one of the most fascinating regions of Italy.

Light Chickpeas and Pasta without Fried Pasta

For those seeking a lighter version of Chickpeas and Pasta, it is possible to prepare the dish using only the chickpeas and omitting the fried pasta. In this light variation, the chickpeas can remain the main ingredient, cooked with vegetables and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The recipe remains tasty and nutritious while reducing calories. This preparation is ideal for those following a controlled diet but who do not want to give up flavor. The chickpeas, rich in protein and fiber, become the centerpiece of the dish, making it filling and healthy. Serving Light Chickpeas and Pasta is an excellent choice for a nutritious and balanced meal, perfect for those who wish to take care of their diet without compromising on taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Chickpeas in Chickpeas and Pasta

The chickpeas, the main ingredient in Chickpeas and Pasta, offer numerous health benefits. They are known to be an excellent source of plant-based protein, ideal for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, chickpeas are rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and folate, which support overall health. A serving of Chickpeas and Pasta provides about 350-400 calories, making it a nutritious and complete dish. Thanks to their versatility, chickpeas can be incorporated into various preparations, making meals not only tasty but also healthy.

Can Chickpeas and Pasta be Frozen?

One of the most common questions regarding Chickpeas and Pasta is whether the dish can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze Chickpeas and Pasta, but it is advisable to do so without the fried pasta. The chickpeas and their seasoning freeze well and can be stored in airtight containers for up to three months. When you wish to consume them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat slowly. However, it is important to note that the fried pasta may lose its crunchiness once reheated, so it is better to prepare it fresh at the time of consumption. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious dish even weeks after the original preparation.