Which chickpea variety is most common in the Mediterranean and Middle East? Kabuli.
Kabuli is the chickpea type most commonly associated with the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It usually has large, round, smooth-coated seeds that are tan or cream colored, making it visually distinct from the smaller and often darker Desi type.
Kabuli chickpeas are widely used in regional foods including hummus, salads, stews, and other preparations where a larger, pale seed is preferred. The name refers to Kabul and reflects the variety’s association with Afghanistan; in Hindi, kabuli chana means “Kabul chickpea.”
Desi is the main alternative people often confuse with Kabuli. Desi chickpeas are smaller, have a rougher coat, and may be brown, black, green, or speckled. They are especially common in South Asia and are frequently split to make chana dal. Globally, Desi accounts for much of production, so “most common in the Mediterranean and Middle East” is a regional distinction, not a claim about worldwide production.