Chickpea vs. Hominy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 18, 2023
Chickpeas are small, round legumes used in various cuisines, while hominy is corn that has been treated with an alkali, used in Mexican and Southern U.S. cuisine.
Key Differences
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume popular in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Hominy, on the other hand, is a food produced from dried maize kernels that have been treated with an alkali, commonly used in Mexican and Southern U.S. cooking.
Chickpeas are used in dishes like hummus and falafel, recognized for their nutty taste and grainy texture. Hominy, with its puffy and chewy texture, is often used in dishes like pozole, a traditional Mexican soup.
Nutritionally, chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, making them a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets. Hominy, while also nutritious, has a different nutritional profile, being a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially after the nixtamalization process.
The preparation of chickpeas usually involves soaking and cooking, and they can be used both in whole form and ground into flour. Hominy is prepared through nixtamalization, where corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, often lime or lye.
In terms of culinary versatility, chickpeas are used in a wide range of dishes, from salads to stews. Hominy, with its distinct flavor and texture, is a key ingredient in specific dishes like grits and hominy stew.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Mexican, Southern U.S.
Culinary Use
Hummus, falafel, salads
Pozole, grits, stews
Texture
Nutty, grainy
Puffy, chewy
Nutritional Content
High in protein and fiber
Rich in vitamins, minerals
Preparation Process
Soaking and cooking
Nixtamalization (alkali treatment)
ADVERTISEMENT
Chickpea and Hominy Definitions
Chickpea
A small, round legume used in various cuisines.
She added chickpeas to her salad for extra protein.
Hominy
Prepared through nixtamalization.
Hominy is made by soaking corn in a lime solution.
Chickpea
Often used in Indian cuisine, both in whole and ground form.
Chickpeas are essential in many Indian curries.
Hominy
Corn treated with an alkali, used in Mexican and Southern cuisine.
Hominy is the main ingredient in traditional pozole.
Chickpea
A plant-based protein source.
Chickpeas are a favorite in vegetarian recipes.
Hominy
Often found in dishes like grits and hominy stew.
For breakfast, he cooked hominy grits.
Chickpea
Can be ground into flour, known as gram or besan.
She used chickpea flour to make gluten-free bread.
Hominy
Can be used whole or ground into masa.
Ground hominy is used to make masa for tamales.
Chickpea
A key ingredient in Middle Eastern dishes like hummus.
He blended chickpeas to make a smooth hummus.
Hominy
A food with a chewy texture and unique flavor.
She loved the chewy texture of hominy in her soup.
Chickpea
An annual Asian plant (Cicer arietinum) in the pea family, widely cultivated for the edible seeds in its short inflated pods.
Hominy
Whole or ground kernels of corn from which the hull and germ have been removed, as by boiling in a solution of water and lye.
Chickpea
A seed of this plant. In both senses also called garbanzo.
Hominy
A food made from hulled corn (maize) kernels soaked in lye water, rinsed, then cooked and eaten; or, the rinsed kernels are dried and coarsely ground into hominy grits.
Chickpea
An annual Asian plant (Cicer arietinum) in the pea family, widely cultivated for the edible seeds in its short inflated pods.
Hominy
Maize hulled and broken, and prepared for food by being boiled in water.
Chickpea
A seed of this plant, often used as a food.
Chickpea is valued for its nutritive seeds with high protein content.
Hominy
Hulled corn with the bran and germ removed
Chickpea
The seed of the chickpea plant
Chickpea
Asiatic herb cultivated for its short pods with one or two edible seeds
Chickpea
Large white roundish Asiatic legume; usually dried
FAQs
Can chickpeas be eaten raw?
No, chickpeas need to be cooked before eating.
What are chickpeas?
Chickpeas are legumes known for their versatility in various global cuisines.
What is hominy?
Hominy is corn that has been treated with an alkali, often used in Mexican and Southern U.S. cooking.
Are chickpeas gluten-free?
Yes, chickpeas are naturally gluten-free.
What dishes are chickpeas used in?
Chickpeas are used in dishes like hummus, falafel, salads, and curries.
Is hominy the same as regular corn?
No, hominy is processed differently, giving it a unique texture and flavor.
Are chickpeas good for weight loss?
Yes, their high fiber and protein content can be beneficial for weight loss diets.
Can chickpeas cause allergies?
While not common, some people may be allergic to chickpeas.
Is hominy a whole grain?
Yes, hominy is considered a whole grain.
How long can you store hominy?
Dried hominy can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place.
How do you store cooked chickpeas?
Cooked chickpeas can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
How do you cook hominy?
Hominy is typically boiled until tender and can be used in various dishes.
Can I make hominy at home?
Yes, you can make hominy by treating dried corn with an alkaline solution.
Is canned hominy as good as fresh?
Canned hominy is convenient and can be used as an alternative to fresh.
Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same?
Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are different names for the same legume.
Do chickpeas contain carbohydrates?
Yes, chickpeas contain carbohydrates, mostly in the form of dietary fiber and starch.
Are chickpeas a good source of protein for vegetarians?
Yes, chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians.
What's the nutritional value of hominy?
Hominy is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
What is the difference between white and yellow hominy?
The difference is mainly in the type of corn used, but both are prepared similarly.
Can hominy be used in gluten-free diets?
Yes, hominy is gluten-free and can be used in such diets.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
