Everyone loves hummus, but there is a whole world of delicious chickpea recipes beyond the creamy dip! Check out my list of 21 insanely delicious things to do with chickpeas from salads and snacks to hearty dinners!
Healthy, protein-packed, and fiber-rich, chickpeas are a powerhouse ingredient that is part of the Mediterranean diet. Plus, they are relatively cheap and easy to use in many ways from salads and snacks to hearty dinners.
In this post, I am sharing everything to know about chickpeas + a list of my favorite chickpea recipes!
What are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume. Like other legumes and pulses such as lentils and beans, chickpeas are chockfull of fiber, plant-based protein, and several key vitamins and minerals. These days, most grocery stores carry a white version (tannish colored), although some specialty markets offer different chickpea varieties-- brown, green, black, and even red. If you can find them, don’t be afraid to try the different varieties!
You can find chickpeas canned or dry, and both are great options for cooking.
Chickpeas: Healthy, Affordable, Versatile
Chickpeas are the pinnacle food in Mediterranean cooking. Actually, cultures around the world turn to chickpeas not just because they’re affordable and versatile but because they provide so many amazing health benefits.
Among other things, chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. And those on heart-healthy, diabetic, and weight-loss diets can especially benefit from chickpea recipes as a healthier option to meat and soy-based proteins.
- Heart-healthy option: chickpeas help reduce cholesterol and are an excellent alternative for diets low in saturated fats
- Diabetic friendly: chickpeas are a slow-digesting starch that can help control blood sugar
- High in fiber: They are full of fiber and protein, helping you to stay fuller longer
Canned vs. dried chickpeas
Readers often ask about the use of canned vs. dried chickpeas. For the most part, this is a personal preference. I do keep both on. hand for different uses.
Canned chickpeas are easier to find in most grocery stores, and a great thing to keep in pantry for a quick weeknight meal or as an on-the-fly addition to salads and stews.
On the other hand, a bag of these dried beans is far more economical, and I promise you learning how to cook chickpeas is not difficult. It requires no special skills, just a little extra time for soaking and cooking. Plus, cooking them from scratch will produce a creamier chickpea, plus you can control the sodium content.
There are occasions, like when making authentic falafel, that require using dry chickpeas. You can not use the canned ones or your falafel patties will disintegrate when frying.
21 Chickpea recipes that aren't hummus!
Most people associate chickpeas with hummus, and believe me, I'm all for the creamy dip and its fun variations--avocado hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, beet hummus, you name it! But there is so much more you can do with the humble chickpea.
That's why I put together a list of my favorite recipes using chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) to share with you today. Here we go...
Chickpea salad and snack recipes
(Tap on recipe names in red to see the full recipe)
- Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas. Great for on-the-go snacks or party appetizers, these crunchy roasted chickpeas are a healthy alternative packed with protein. And with only four ingredients, there’s no reason not to try it.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Chickpeas make the base of this loaded salad with veggies, fresh herbs and a zesty Mediterranean vinaigrette. Add eggplant or leave it out, but a dash of za'atar is a must!
- Balela Salad. Balela is an MVP in any Mediterranean diet! Packed with pops of color from fresh red tomatoes, chickpeas, and green olives, this chickpea recipe makes a festive addition to any holiday table.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Egg Salad. With jalapeños, crisp veggies, red cabbage and hard boiled eggs—this chickpea salad recipe is satisfying on all levels. You'll love the Dijon dressing.
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad. When I say the best, it really is the best. Pearl couscous, loaded with sweet grape tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, salty olives, and creamy cheese.
- Fresh Mediterranean Bean Salad. With three different beans, veggies, and herbs, this is a meal in its own right!
Chickpea recipes for dinner
- The Best Moroccan Fish Recipe. The comforting warmth from the spices, nuttiness from the chickpeas, and flakiness of the fish make a special one-pan diner
- One-Pot Chicken and Rice. Simple, comforting, one-pot chicken and rice recipe with chopped veggies, garbanzo, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Ready in just over 30 minutes.
- Mediterranean Grain Bowls Recipe with Lentils and Chickpeas. Every meal prep maven should have one grain-bowl recipe up their sleeve. Grain bowls like this one featuring both chickpeas and lentils are great options for light lunches or a healthy and hearty meal after a long day of work.
- Easy Orzo Recipe with Chickpeas and Zucchini. A quick one-pot meal for any night of the week.
- Mediterranean Potato Hash with Chickpeas and Asparagus. Loads of veggies and big bold spices!
- Greek-Style Braised Eggplant with Chickpeas. There is a reason this is one of the top recipes on the blog. The combination of velvety tender eggplant and hearty chickpeas is satisfying and delicious.
- Spanish Chickpea Recipe (Espinacas Con Garbanzos). Bell peppers, almonds, and spinach together with garbanzo... Full of flavor from garlic, vinegar, and warm notes of cumin and smoked paprika. Perfect as tapas or a satisfying vegan dinner! Chickpea Farro Salad with Shrimp. Nutty farro grains with chickpeas, shrimp, veggies and herbs. The perfect big supper salad.
- Falafel. If you want to make the best authentic falafels from scratch, this recipe is your ticket! Crispy, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, it will easily become your favorite use of chickpeas.
Comforting chickpea soups and stews
- Harira Soup. A classic Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup with fresh herbs and loads of warm spices. This satisfying vegetarian soup is even better the next day, so it is the perfect make-ahead pot to feed a little crowd. I typically serve it with lemon slices and warm pita bread
- Mediterranean Bean Soup Recipe with Tomato Pesto. This chunky soup has three different beans and a whole host of immunity-boosting ingredients to keep you running strong. And that tomato pesto sauce makes all the difference!
- Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew. This Mediterranean version of Indian chana gobhi curry is your new favorite takeout-made-at-home recipe. You’re welcome.Instant Pot Chickpea Soup. Despite the title, the recipe contains directions for stovetop cooking for those who don’t own an instant pot. And yes—it’s just as delicious!
- Easy Moroccan Vegetable Tagine Recipe. Vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, one-pot, budget meal friendly, need I say more? Seriously, though, it’s so easy to make and you can use any in-season vegetables you have on hand
- Easy Moroccan Lamb Stew Recipe. Rich lamb broth seasoned with layers of spices and herbs tops the buttery braised lamb and creamy chickpeas in this hearty stew. You’ll want to soak up every last drop of this stew, so have lots of fresh pita handy.
Related recipes and articles you may like
How to Cook Dried Chickpeas for Chickpea Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry chickpeas, approximately 2 cups dry chickpeas
- ½ to 1 teaspoon baking soda, depending on the cooking mehtod
- water
- Kosher salt
- 1 to 2 bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves. lightly smashed
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas. You can either soak them overnight or try the quick soaking method. To soak overnight, put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add plenty of water to cover the chickpeas by a good 3 inches. Set aside for 24 hours. For the quick soak method, put the chickpeas in a pot and add 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minute. Turn the heat off, cover and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour. Drain.
- Stovetop Method. In a large cooking pot, put the chickpeas and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 7 cups of water to cover the beans by several inches. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon or more if you like). Add the bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, skimming off any foam or skins that float to the top. Chickpeas will cook anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 ½ hour or until tender (cooking time will vary depending on the type and freshness of the chickpeas).
Notes
- Yield: This recipe will yield approximately 5 to 6 cups of cooked chickpeas. Serving size is estimated to be ½ cup.
- Can you freeze cooked chickpeas? First, pat the chickpeas dry and put them in ziptop bags (it helps to spread them in a single layer and freeze them laying flat). They will last 6 months or longer in the freezer.
- Can you cook chickpeas in the slow cooker or pressure cooker? Yes! See my complete guide on How to Cook Chickpeas.
- Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spice.
Chickpeas are a staple of my vegetarian diet and I am always hunting for more recipe ideas. Your post is perfect for me-- thanks! I plan to try a new chickpea recipe each week.
Glad to hear it, Holly! Enjoy