Chickpeas are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, not everyone knows know how to cook chickpeas properly to achieve the best texture and flavor. So, in this article, I will instruct you how to cook canned and dried chickpeas, as well as answer some FAQs when cooking chickpeas at home.
1. FAQs When Cooking Chickpeas
1.1. Should i Soak Chickpeas Before Cooking?
This depends the method of cooking that you plan to use. If you’re using a traditional stovetop method, soaking the chickpeas can be beneficial in terms of reducing cooking time and making them easier to digest. However, if you’re using a pressure cooker or instant pot, you don’t need to soak them at all.
1.2. Do You Soak Chickpeas in Hot or Cold Water?
1.3. Does Soaking Chickpeas Remove Nutrients?
1.5. How To Soak Chickpeas?
1.6. Are Canned Chickpeas Usually Cooked?
Canned chickpeas are often referred to as “garbanzo beans,” which is another name for the same legume. They are usually sold in cans, either as a single-ingredient product or as part of a multi-ingredient dish (such as hummus). Many canned chickpeas are already cooked and seasoned, making them a quick and easy way to add flavor to salads, soups, stews, dips, sandwiches, and more.
However, when you buy canned chickpeas, make sure to thoroughly read the ingredients list and check for added salt or other preservatives. Canned chickpeas are often high in sodium, so if you’re trying to reduce your salt intake, it’s best to buy no-salt-added varieties. Also, look for organic canned chickpeas if you’re trying to avoid genetically-modified ingredients.
2. How To Cook Canned Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
Rinse the chickpeas in a colander and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the rinsed chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the oil.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt over the chickpeas and stir to combine.
Cook the chickpeas for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and slightly crispy.
Serve warm and enjoy!
3. How To Cook Chickpeas in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried chickpeas
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
Place the dried chickpeas into the Instant Pot, then add the water, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Then select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the cook time to 15 minutes.
When the cooking time is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
Drain the chickpeas and enjoy!
4. How To Cook Chickpeas on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried chickpeas ( soaked )
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions
Add the soaked chickpeas to a pot and cover with 3 cups of water. Then add the baking soda and salt to the pot and stir.
Bring the pot to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the chickpeas for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the chickpeas to make sure they’re cooked through. If they are still a bit firm, continue cooking for another 10 minutes and add more water if need
Once the chickpeas are tender, drain the water from the pot and use in your recipe. Enjoy!
5. How To Cook Chickpeas in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Rinse and drain the dried chickpeas, spreading them out on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper on top
Toss the chickpeas until they are evenly coated. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 45 minutes or until the chickpeas are crisp and golden, stirring the chickpeas every 15 minutes.
Allow the chickpeas to cool before serving. Enjoy!
6. What To Do With Cooked Chickpeas?
One of the simplest and most popular ways is to simply add cooked chickpeas to salads. Chickpeas can be easily added to any salad and will provide a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. This is a great way to add protein to a meal, as well as a satisfying crunch.
Another popular way to use cooked chickpeas is in dips and hummus. Hummus is a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be served as a dip with pita chips, cut vegetables, or as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Chickpeas can also be used in curries or stews. Adding cooked chickpeas to a curry or stew will add texture and flavor to the dish. This is an excellent way to add more protein and fiber to a dish without adding a lot of extra calories.
Finally, cooked chickpeas can be used to make falafel. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas that is usually served as a side or in a wrap. It is easy to make and can be served with a variety of condiments or vegetables.
