🍲🍲🍲~A Few Words From Susan~🍲🍲🍲 I have many memories of my mother using chickpeas in Italian recipes—though she always called them ceci beans. They were a staple in our pantry, the foundation of simple, nourishing meals she prepared with ease and care. Ceci and cauliflower was one of her
go-to dishes, as was ceci with pasta—both humble, economical dinners that somehow felt complete. It wasn’t until I got to college
that I realized most people called them chickpeas—and that the most popular recipe among my peers (by far) was hummus. But to me, ceci will always evoke the warmth of home, and the resourcefulness of cooking with what you have. This week, I’m sharing a modern take on that tradition: a dense bean salad,
packed with chickpeas and other pantry ingredients, perfect for back-to-school lunches or late-summer picnics. You’ll also find tips, trivia, and a special offer on our Medium Storage Jar—ideal for keeping dry beans at the ready. Best, Susan
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The Viral Dense Bean Salad You'll Be Making on Repeat
Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or weeknight dinners? This Dense Bean Salad is protein-packed, full of crisp veggies, and dressed in a simple vinaigrette that brings everything together. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—no cooking required!
Tip of the Week: Cook from Dry for Better Flavor - Soaking and simmering dried chickpeas results in a creamier texture and deeper taste than canned. Use a Cestari storage jar to keep a supply on hand.
- If you're boiling chickpeas from dry, add salt at the end. Salting too early can toughen the
skins.
- Cook a full pound and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use them in soups, salads, pastas, or mash them for a sandwich spread.
Ceci and Cauliflower: A One-Pot Italian ClassicIn many southern Italian homes, ceci and cauliflower was never considered a
“recipe”—it was simply dinner. Humble, nourishing, and entirely made from pantry and garden staples, this one-pot dish represents the essence of cucina povera: making something deeply satisfying from just a few simple ingredients. At its core, ceci and cauliflower is exactly what it sounds like: tender chickpeas (ceci) simmered with florets of cauliflower in a gently seasoned broth. Garlic and olive oil provide depth, while a bit of red pepper adds quiet warmth. Some cooks enrich the broth with tomato; others keep it golden and clear. It’s a flexible, forgiving dish—made for weeknights, end-of-month
budgets, and moments when you want food that feeds both body and memory. Traditionally, dried chickpeas would be soaked overnight and simmered until creamy, but canned chickpeas make this dish achievable on even the busiest days. Fresh cauliflower is ideal, but frozen works beautifully too. Serve it with crusty bread
to mop up the broth, or add a handful of pasta or rice directly to the pot for a heartier meal. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving elevates it without complicating it. This dish isn’t flashy—and that’s exactly the point. Ceci and cauliflower reminds us that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated, and that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that ask the least of us.
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Reader's Tips for Chick Peas
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Barbara from La Puente, California shares, “I mash chickpeas with avocado, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic
for a plant-based sandwich spread.” Ronald from Oak Grove, Missouri offers, “ Toss cooked chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, and paprika, then roast at 425°F for
20–30 minutes for a healthy, protein-packed snack." Carol from Levittown, Pennsylvania says, “Try blending mashed chickpeas into pancake batter—it adds protein and fiber without changing the taste.” Steve from
Enid, Oklahoma notes, “Ceci and cauliflower was a staple at my nonna’s table—simple, seasoned with just garlic and olive oil.” Diane from Pacific Grove, California
suggests, “For a quick lunch, I toss chickpeas with sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and a spoonful of pesto.” |
Cestari Products Used This Week Use code DENSEBEANS to save 10% on any of the Cestari products below. Cestari Ultimate Pasta Machine makes homemade pasta perfect as the base for Ceci and Pasta. Cestari Medium Storage Jar keeps your dried beans fresh with an airtight seal. Cestari
Multitool - contains a measuring cup to help with the recipes - and a juicer if you decide to replace the red wine vinegar in the salad recipe with fresh lemon juice
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