Canned Chickpeas: Delicious and Easy Recipes

Let's be honest, sometimes the thought of cooking can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you're staring down a pantry full of ingredients. But what if I told you there's a magic ingredient that can transform a simple meal into something truly delicious, all without a lot of fuss? I'm talking about canned chickpeas, those little beige beauties that have been a pantry staple for as long as I can remember.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Chickpeas? Aren't they just… chickpeas? But trust me, there's a world of culinary possibilities waiting to be unlocked. From hearty stews to light salads, creamy dips, and even desserts, chickpeas have got you covered. And the best part? They're incredibly easy to work with. No soaking, no fuss, just open a can and you're good to go.

I'll admit, I wasn't always a fan. Back in the day, I saw them as just another bland legume. But then, I discovered the magic of spices and how they could transform these little nuggets of protein into something truly delicious. And that's where this article comes in. I'm going to show you exactly how to use canned chickpeas to whip up some absolutely brilliant meals.

So, grab a can (or two!), a notebook, and your favourite apron – we're about to embark on a chickpea adventure!

(Part 1) The Chickpea Primer: A Beginner's Guide

Let's be real, sometimes it feels a bit daunting diving into a new ingredient, especially one that's a little bit… well… different. So, before we jump into recipes, let's get the basics down pat.

What are chickpeas?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a legume with a nutty flavour and a satisfyingly chewy texture. They're packed with protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They're also a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium, which are important for everything from energy production to bone health. And best of all, they’re super affordable!

Why use canned chickpeas?

Look, I’m all for the home cook who wants to get their hands dirty, but sometimes, life gets in the way. Canned chickpeas are a real lifesaver. They’re already cooked and ready to use, saving you a ton of time and effort. Plus, they have a longer shelf life than dried chickpeas, meaning you can always keep a few cans on hand for those spontaneous meal ideas.

Think about it. You're craving a delicious chickpea curry on a Tuesday night, but you're exhausted from work. You could spend hours soaking and cooking dried chickpeas, or you could simply open a can and have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. I know which one I'd choose!

How to prep canned chickpeas

Okay, so you’ve got your can of chickpeas. Before we start cooking, let’s do a quick prep. Most cans come with a brine, which is basically salty water. You can drain this off and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. This will remove excess salt and make them taste even better. You can also remove the skins if you prefer a smoother texture, though I usually leave them on. The skins actually add a bit of extra fibre and texture to the dish.

Storing chickpeas

Once you’ve opened a can of chickpeas, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to rinse them before using. If you want to use them later, you can also freeze them for up to 6 months. They’re a great way to bulk up your freezer with deliciousness!

(Part 2) The Chickpea Chronicles: My Favourite Recipes

Alright, now for the fun part – the recipes! I’ve tried so many different ways to cook with chickpeas, and these are the ones that have stood the test of time. They’re all easy to make, packed with flavour, and perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals.

1. chickpea salad Sandwich

This is my go-to lunch when I'm craving something quick and healthy. It's a simple combination of chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, herbs, and a lemon-tahini dressing. The creamy tahini dressing complements the chickpeas perfectly, while the fresh vegetables add a satisfying crunch. You can also add some chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavour.

Here’s a quick recipe breakdown:

Ingredients:

1. 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3. 1 cucumber, chopped
4. 1/4 cup chopped parsley
5. 1/4 cup chopped mint
6. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
7. 2 tablespoons tahini
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil
9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread on your favourite bread or wraps.

2. Chickpea Curry

This curry is a real crowd-pleaser. It's creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, but I usually go with onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and potatoes. The curry is infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which add a depth of flavour that is both comforting and satisfying.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 inch ginger, grated
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
7. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
9. 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
10. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11. 1 cup vegetable broth
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3. chickpea fritters

These fritters are a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. They’re super crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The crispy exterior is perfect for dipping in your favourite sauce, while the soft interior is packed with flavour.

Here’s how you can make them:

Ingredients:

1. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 1/2 cup chopped onion
3. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. 1/4 cup flour
6. 1 egg, beaten
7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9. 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, onion, cilantro, and garlic until finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Transfer the chickpea mixture to a bowl and add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the chickpea mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

(Part 3) Chickpea Delights: Sweet Treats

Now, before you think I've gone completely mad, hear me out. Chickpeas can be a delightful ingredient in sweet treats. Just trust me on this one.

4. Chocolate Chickpea Brownie

You heard that right. Chocolate chickpea brownie. This is one of those recipes that’s a little bit of a mind-bender, but once you try it, you’ll never look back. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey. The best part? No one will ever guess they’re made with chickpeas.

The secret? Chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre, which gives the brownies a wonderfully dense and chewy texture. And the chocolate flavour is so rich and intense, you'd never guess there's a hidden legume in the mix.

Ingredients:

1. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
3. 1/2 cup sugar
4. 1/4 cup vegetable oil
5. 2 eggs
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
9. Chocolate chips, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan.
2. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, cocoa powder, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add the baking powder and salt, and pulse until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares and enjoying.

5. chickpea flour Pancakes

These pancakes are a fantastic way to start your day. They are fluffy, light, and surprisingly flavorful, and they don’t have any added sugar. They’re also a great way to use up leftover chickpea flour, which is a staple in my pantry.

Chickpea flour, also known as besan, is made from ground chickpeas. It has a slightly nutty flavour and a naturally gluten-free texture. These pancakes are surprisingly light and fluffy, making them a perfect breakfast or brunch option.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup chickpea flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
5. 1 cup milk
6. 1 egg
7. 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve with your favourite toppings.

(Part 4) The Chickpea Challenge: Experimenting with Flavours

Alright, so you’ve got the basics down, you’ve tried a few recipes, now it’s time to have some fun. Experimenting with different flavours and spices is a great way to make these recipes your own.

Spicing Things Up

Here are a few spice combinations to get you started. Try these in your chickpea curry, fritters, or even salad dressing:

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of spice to your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it hotter. You can also play around with different combinations of spices to find what you like best. For example, I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika to my chickpea curry for a touch of smokiness.

Exploring Different Flavours

Think about other flavours that might work well with chickpeas. Here are a few ideas:

1. Mediterranean flavours: Lemon, olives, feta cheese, oregano, and garlic. Think about a vibrant chickpea salad with Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
2. Asian flavours: Ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes. Try a stir-fry with chickpeas, tofu, and your favourite vegetables, tossed in a sesame ginger sauce.
3. Mexican flavours: Lime, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, jalapenos. Imagine a flavourful chickpea and black bean salsa with a kick of jalapeno and a squeeze of lime.
4. Italian flavours: Tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, Parmesan cheese. Try a chickpea pasta dish with a creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what flavours you enjoy most.

(Part 5) Chickpea Cuisine: Taking it to the Next Level

Alright, so you’re comfortable with the basics, you’ve experimented with a few flavours, now it’s time to take your chickpea skills to the next level.

6. chickpea hummus

No chickpeas? No problem! You can always whip up a batch of delicious hummus using those pantry staples.

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. It's incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip, spread, or even as a base for salads.

Ingredients:

1. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 1/4 cup tahini
3. 1/4 cup lemon juice
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1/4 cup water
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 1/4 teaspoon cumin
8. Olive oil, for drizzling
9. Paprika, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, and cumin.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Garnish with paprika, if desired.
5. Serve with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers.

7. Chickpea and Potato Curry

This is a classic Indian dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. You can find a great recipe online, but I always add a little extra cumin and turmeric for that extra punch.

The combination of chickpeas and potatoes creates a hearty and satisfying meal. The curry is typically made with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger, which give it a warm and aromatic flavour.

Here are the main ingredients:

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 inch ginger, grated
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
7. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
9. 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
10. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11. 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
12. 1 cup vegetable broth
13. Salt and pepper to taste
14. Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

8. Chickpea and Spinach Soup

This soup is both delicious and nutritious. It’s packed with protein, iron, and vitamins. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

This creamy soup is bursting with flavour. The chickpeas provide a hearty base, while the spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it’s a great way to warm up on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
5. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
6. 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
7. 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
8. 4 cups vegetable broth
9. 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Lemon juice, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, with a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

(Part 6) Chickpea Wisdom: Tips and Tricks

Okay, so you’re feeling confident about your chickpea cooking skills. But, I’ve got a few tips and tricks up my sleeve to make your chickpea journey even smoother.

1. Don’t Overcook

Chickpeas can get mushy if you cook them for too long. So, pay attention to the cooking time. Once they're tender, they’re ready to go!

If you’re making a curry or stew, it's best to add the chickpeas towards the end of the cooking time so they don't overcook and become mushy.

2. Experiment with Textures

You can adjust the texture of your chickpeas by how you process them. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend them in a food processor. This is especially helpful for dishes like hummus or dips. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can simply mash them with a fork. This is perfect for salads or fritters.

3. Add a Splash of Acidity

A little bit of acidity can really brighten up chickpea dishes. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of vinegar, or even a spoonful of yogurt. It will help to balance out the flavors and make your dishes even more delicious.

For example, a squeeze of lemon juice can really elevate the flavour of a chickpea salad or hummus. And a dollop of yogurt can add a creamy tang to a chickpea curry.

4. Use Leftovers

Don’t throw away those leftover chickpeas! They’re perfect for adding to salads, soups, stews, and even sandwiches.

You can also add them to a breakfast scramble or toss them into a grain bowl for a quick and easy lunch.

5. Get Creative

The best way to learn is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and see what you like best.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with chickpeas. So, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You might be surprised at what you discover.

(Part 7) Chickpea FAQs

I know you have questions, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones:

1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you want to use dried chickpeas, just make sure to soak them overnight in water. Soaking helps to soften the chickpeas and makes them easier to cook. Then, cook them until tender. You can cook them in a pot on the stovetop, or you can use a pressure cooker for a quicker cooking time.

2. What are the best substitutes for chickpeas?

If you’re looking for a substitute for chickpeas, you can use other legumes, such as black beans, kidney beans, or lentils. These legumes have a similar texture and nutritional profile to chickpeas, so they can be used in a variety of recipes.

3. How long do canned chickpeas last?

Unopened cans of chickpeas can last for up to a year in your pantry. Once opened, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4. Can I freeze chickpeas?

Yes! You can freeze chickpeas for up to 6 months. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before freezing. Freezing chickpeas is a great way to save time and money. You can simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and use them in your favourite recipes.

5. What are some other ways to use chickpeas?

Chickpeas are so versatile! You can use them in everything from falafel and hummus to salads, soups, and stews. You can even use them in desserts, like brownies or flourless chocolate cake.

Here are a few more ideas:

• Falafel: Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas and spices. It's often served in a pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, and vegetables.
• Chickpea flour pasta: Chickpea flour pasta is a delicious and gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. It’s made from ground chickpeas and has a slightly nutty flavour.
• Chickpea and vegetable curry: A chickpea and vegetable curry is a hearty and flavourful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Chickpea salad: A chickpea salad is a refreshing and healthy salad that can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
• Chickpea soup: A chickpea soup is a comforting and nourishing soup that is perfect for a cold day.

(Part 8) Chickpea Journey: A Final Word

Well, there you have it, my chickpea journey. Hopefully, you’re now feeling inspired to add more of these amazing legumes to your cooking. Just remember, it’s all about having fun and trying new things. Don’t be afraid to experiment. And who knows, you might even discover a new favourite dish along the way!