Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile and nutritious legume. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan diets. In this article, I’ll instuct you how to cook chickpeas properly at home.
1. How To Cook Chickpeas on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Rinse the dried chickpeas in a strainer under running water and pick out any debris or damaged beans.
Add the chickpeas to a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water. Add 1 tsp of salt to the pot.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the chickpeas simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
Check the chickpeas occasionally to make sure they are covered with enough water. Add more water if needed.
Once the chickpeas are tender, drain them in a colander and use them in your desired recipe.
2. How To Cook Chickpeas in Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Rinse the dried chickpeas in a strainer under running water and pick out any debris or damaged beans.
Add the chickpeas to the Instant Pot/pressure cooker along with 4 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt.
Close the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot/pressure cooker to manual high pressure for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
Open the lid and check the chickpeas for tenderness. If they are not fully cooked, return them to the Instant Pot/pressure cooker and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Once the chickpeas are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and use them in your desired recipe.
3. How To Cook Chickpeas in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Rinse the dried chickpeas in a strainer under running water and pick out any debris or damaged beans.
Add the chickpeas to a slow cooker along with 4 cups of water and 1 tsp of salt.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender.
Check the chickpeas occasionally to make sure they are covered with enough water. Add more water if needed.
Once the chickpeas are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and use them in your desired recipe.
4. What To Do With Cooked Chickpeas
Cooked chickpeas are very versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
Hummus: Blend cooked chickpeas in a food processor with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to make a delicious and healthy dip.
Salad: Add cooked chickpeas to a green salad or a Mediterranean salad for extra protein and fiber.
Roasted chickpeas: Toss cooked chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite spices (like paprika, cumin, or chili powder) and roast them in the oven for a crunchy and satisfying snack.
Curry: Use cooked chickpeas in a vegetarian curry with vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Soup: Add cooked chickpeas to a soup with vegetables and spices for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Pasta: Toss cooked chickpeas with whole wheat pasta, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a tasty and easy-to-make dinner.
Falafel: Make falafel by blending cooked chickpeas with herbs, spices, and flour, and frying them in oil.
Veggie burger: Mash cooked chickpeas and mix them with grated vegetables, breadcrumbs, and spices to make a delicious and healthy veggie burger.
Chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious legume that can be used in a variety of dishes. By following the instructions in this article, you will know how to cook chickpeas properly and can enjoy the health benefits and culinary versatility of chickpeas in your everyday meals.
