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.

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!

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. 

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. Stuff them into sandwiches

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. Toss them with pasta

Chickpeas add texture, flavour, and heft to any pasta dish. Here is an amazing Brothy Pasta with Chickpeas.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/brothy-pasta-with-chickpeas

3. Whirl them into 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. Roast them

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. Add them to curry

Chickpeas get extra tender when simmered in a spicy vegetarian curry. 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. Straightforward 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.

Easy Chana Masala

https://tasty.co/recipe/easy-chickpea-curry-channa-masala

7. Mix them with sautéed greens

The fastest way to bulk up a big pan of sautéed greens—top the combination with a fried egg to make it a meal. 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. 

8. Chickpea Falafel salad

We love falafel, but this recipe takes the humble chickpea fritter to a whole new level! It has all the ingredients you’d find in your average falafel, deconstructed. Olive oil, lemon juice, nutty tahini, chickpeas, tomatoes and cucumber; it’s ideal for a light lunch or a light evening meal.

Falafel (Traditional Method)

https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/falafel-recipe-chickpea-falafel-recipe/

9. Toss them into a salad

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. 

10. Stir them into soup

It’s the easiest and fastest way to turn soup into a meal. 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.

11. Make a wrap

Could this BBQ Chickpea Wrap be more beautiful? Paired with my oil-free Ranch Dressing, it’s a dream lunch or dinner. The chickpeas are baked down in barbecue sauce, which adds that beautiful char to them and a depth of flavour.

12. Use them as a taco filling

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 clearly I love barbecue flavoured things! Combined with pickled onions and a kale cabbage slaw, these tacos are quick and quite the treat!

13. Homemade Aquafaba

The liquid that you find in a can of chickpeas is precious stuff: Its viscosity makes it a fabulous substitute for eggs in all sorts of recipes. We love using it in baked goods and whipped toppings.

Here are Amazing Foods You Can Make With Aquafaba

https://tasty.co/article/whitneyjefferson/aquafaba-the-magic-bean-liquid

By Priyanshi Bhatnagar