Chickpea (also known as Garbanzo Beans) are a type of podded and bean vegetable. They are considered to be one of the oldest known legumes in terms of human consumption. Two main types of bean are used for culinary purposes. The Desi variety from India, Ethiopia, Mexico and Iran has small dark seeds and a course rough coat. The Kabuli variety from Northern Africa and Afghanistan are lighter in color in is larger than the Desi variety with a smoother skin. Chickpeas can be cooked and eaten cold. They are often incorporated into salads, soups and stews. They may also be ground into a flour called besan which is used and used in Indian cuisine. The Middle Eastern dish Falafel, is ground Chickpea flour that has been formed into balls and deep-fried. Chick peas are popular in Indian and Pakistani curries and are one of the most popular beans used in the cuisines of these two countries.