Wash and soak the chick peas in lukewarm water overnight. Braise meat until brown, then add onions and saute a few minutes more. Cook chick peas in its soaked water, add more water if necessary and cook covered for one hour. Then add the meat, tomatoes, and seasonings and cook until tender.
Chick peas come in cans, too. If can is used, then cook the meat for 45 minutes or until almost tender, then add the chick peas and tomatoes and cook 15-20 minutes longer.