Chickpea Recipes: 10 Creative Ways to Use Chickpeas

Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans, Ceci, and Bengal gram) are loved around the globe. Canned or dried, they’ve got a prime spot in our pantry. So if you’ve ever wondered “what’s the difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans”, they are the same thing!

P.S. if you’ve ever heard the word “pulse” being used to refer to chickpeas, that’s the name for a dried seed of a legume.

What are chickpeas?

Chickpeas are legumes that are a part of the plant family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It’s high in protein, fibre and is super nutritious. It’s also known as garbanzo beans!

One of the greatest things about chickpeas is that it is incredibly versatile. Thanks to its creamy texture after it is cooked, it can pretty much take on any shape that you want it to. The same goes for its flavour – chickpeas have a distinct yet semi-neutral flavour, perfect for anything from a vegan tuna sandwich to chickpea blondies.

One last thing – the great debate – canned vs. dried chickpeas. We always have canned chickpeas on hand because they are very easy to use. That being said, dried chickpeas are much cheaper, and not very difficult to boil. Just ensure that you are buying the right kind, and watch a few YouTube videos about how to cook chickpeas first! Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy chickpeas!

Canned chickpeas are already cooked and ready to eat! You’ll just need to drain them and rinse before you use them for your recipe.

Wondering what to do with that can of chickpeas in your pantry?

Here are Easy Ways To Use A Can of Chickpeas that are all different, unique, and delicious! From dips to whole meals, everything you need is here!

1.Smashed Chickpea Sandwiche

This is one of my favourite sandwiches! It’s perfect if you also need to use up an avocado, too! This Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich is quick and easy to make and once you squeeze some lime into it, you can prep the filling ahead of time, then into the sandwich when you’re ready!

2.Chickpea Pasta

Chickpeas add texture, flavour, and heft to any pasta dish. Toss cooked chickpeas with pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a hearty and protein-packed meal. Here is How To Eat Pasta To Lose Weigh.

3.Classic hummus

There’s no need to buy hummus when it’s so simple to make at home. Simply combine chickpeas, lemon juice, cumin, tahini and garlic in a blender. Mix to form a creamy texture, adding water along the way if the mixture is too dry.

Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil to serve. A tasty dip with carrot and celery sticks or as a moreish starter with strips of pitta bread.

4.Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy chickpeas are the ultimate pre-dinner snack and they couldn’t be easier. This has got to be one of my favourite snacks, ever! This is actually a popular Trinidadian snack too with spicy spices on it. Making Crispy Roasted Chickpeas will change the way you see this little legume.

It’s addictive, perfect for snacking and adds protein and fibre to your day! Plus, they stay crispy for a couple of days in an airtight container!

5.Chickpea Curry Stew

Chickpeas get extra tender when simmered in a spicy vegetarian curry. Create a comforting and flavorful chickpea curry stew by simmering chickpeas with vegetables, spices, and coconut milk. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread

The chickpeas are everything in this delicious tomato-based curry sauce. You’re bound to remake this if you try it, and it freezes beautifully for meal prep!

6.Channa masala

It’s fun to make curry with a friend, right? Measure out spices and chop an onion, garlic, and chile as you chat away. Plus, the process of Indian cooking — the stages of adding seeds, aromatics spices, tomatoes — will fill your house with irresistible aromas. The richly seasoned sauce and chickpeas call out for cooked rice

Indian cooking is definitely something which takes some skill, but this recipe is fairly easy even for beginners. This beats the takeaway hands down and is packed with spices, onions and garlic for immune-boosting goodness.

7.Chickpea Salad

The fastest way to bulk up a big pan of sautéed greens—top the combination with a cooker grain to make it a meal. Create a refreshing and nutritious chickpea salad by combining chickpeas with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing.

Another healthy way is tossing Sautéed chickpeas with garlic, diced tomatoes, organic spinach, lemon and vegetable broth make a satisfying vegetarian side dish or hearty lunch. Here are 6 Simple Ways to Add Protein to Your Salad

8.Chickpea Tacos

Just when you think you have nothing to make for dinner, this recipe proves you wrong. Fill your tacos with seasoned and sautéed chickpeas for a flavorful and plant-based twist. Top them with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, avocado, and cilantro

Before I made these BBQ Chickpea Tacos, I wondered how it took me so long to think of this idea! Chickpeas make a great taco filling (again, taking on any flavour you give it), and I love barbecue-flavoured things! These tacos are quick and quite the treat!

9.Chickpea Soup

It’s the easiest and fastest way to turn soup into a meal. Make a comforting and hearty chickpea soup by simmering chickpeas with vegetables, broth, and aromatic spices. It’s a perfect meal for colder days.

Moroccan chickpea soup is simple, easy to make soup is great for lunch when working from home or as a quick dinner after a gym session. With tomatoes, celery, onions, chickpeas and broad beans, it’s super-healthy and tastes amazing served with flatbread.

10.Chickpea Salad in a Jar

Make a double batch and you’ve got lunch for the week. If you’ve never had chickpeas in your salad, it’s time to try them. They add such a great texture, protein, fibre and nutrition. Plus they taste literally any combination of veggies from a plate to veggies, to a full meal.

Caribbean flavours light up this flavour-packed salad. Carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and lime are just a few of the tasty ingredients in the winning combo. Not to mention the fact that it only takes five minutes to come together.

Remember, chickpeas are versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond hummus. Experiment with these creative recipes and discover new ways to enjoy this nutritious legume.