Being the queen of hummos making, I am very familiar with both canned and dried garbanzo beans – also known as chickpeas. However, I don’t think I had ever seen fresh ones until a few days ago. I bought just a small amount to open up, examine, and decide how to cook or use. What I found out was the following – fresh garbanzos are absolutely and totally delicious – rather like the sweetest garden peas you’ve ever tasted. I was so bereft at having been stingy with my purchase. The few that I did have became a garnish for a small heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad. The sweet beans were the perfect foil for the acidic tomatoes and balsamic vinegar dressing. All this to say – if you see fresh garbanzo beans in the market, buy a mess of them. It takes a bit of time to remove them from their papery, pale green covering, but the work is well-rewarded. Next time I might try cooking them, but I’ll have to think of something wonderful to do with them that can equal the taste of them fresh from the pod.
judithchoate.com 
Hi Judie,
I just found fresh garbanzo beans at Whole Foods and bought a bunch. I never would have looked twice if it weren’t for your post and beautiful photograph. Now I can’t wait to play with them.
Linda
I think you will find them quite delicious – we sure did – let us know what you do with them –
Judie
Hi Judie,
I have never tried fresh garbanzo hummus but your recipe has inspired me. Tomorrow I’m off on the hunt for them. Thanks for the super idea – your blog is so wonderful! By the way, beannachtai la fheile padraig dhaoibh go leir ( how we say happy st. Patricks day in the ol’ sod)
My sweet – hope you had a great st. Paddy’s day -did you find the garbanzos? If not them, you do know how to find me!
I was delighted to find your blog today. Those fresh beans look amazing! Will be sure to search them out to try.
Susan
Please do find them – after reading about them on our blog a friend used them as a garnish on a beautiful cold spring pea soup – I am off to find them again and to try new things with them – I was thinking about a pesto-style sauce –
Thanks for visiting and commenting,
Judie, the two Steves, and Loupe Digital
Sounds yummy-licious! Can’t wait for fava beans to arrive as well.
you and me both! we’re off to dig ramps this week to mix up with, perhaps, some fresh favas – enjoy spring!
Unbelievable how well-written and inrfomative this was.
Thank you – I try – although sometimes i leave out a word (or letter) or two but I hope I, at the least, make you want to cook —-
Thanks for visiting and commenting – we all appreciate it –
Judie, the two Steves, and Loupe Digital