I'm sorry to hear about your experience with the chickpeas. There could be a few possible reasons why they tasted like mold despite being soaked and cooked properly.
1. Quality of the chickpeas: It's possible that the chickpeas you used were of poor quality or had been stored improperly before you purchased them. Chickpeas that are old, stale, or improperly stored can develop mold or other contaminants, which can affect their taste and quality.
2. Contamination during soaking or cooking: It's important to ensure that the chickpeas are soaked and cooked in clean water and utensils to avoid any contamination. If the water or utensils used during soaking or cooking were not properly cleaned, it could have introduced mold or other contaminants to the chickpeas.
3. Cross-contamination: If the chickpeas were stored in a container or freezer bag that had previously come into contact with mold or other contaminants, it could have affected their taste. Cross-contamination can occur if the storage container or bag was not thoroughly cleaned before use.
4. Allergies or sensitivities: Sometimes, individuals can have specific sensitivities or allergies to certain foods that can cause them to perceive a taste similar to mold, even if the food itself is not contaminated. It's worth considering if you have any known sensitivities or allergies to legumes or chickpeas.
If you continue to experience issues with the taste of your chickpeas or have concerns about food safety, it may be helpful to consult with a food safety expert or a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.