How to Cook Chickpeas

This Mess Is Ours

I recently found myself staring into my pantry wondering if garbanzo beans just might be the most versatile ingredient on the planet! I mean, you can use them in just about a bazillion ways which means they have serious #pantrypower.

Even the liquid produced when chickpeas are cooked, AKA aquafaba, is considered a vegan delicacy and makes decadent treats like plant-based meringues possible!

It's actually a pretty common question and the answer is they are the exact same thing! They are a type of legume in the same family as kidney beans and peanuts with a buttery, nutty flavor, and creamy texture.

Chickpeas vs. Garbanzo beans:  Are garbanzo beans chickpeas?

White Scribbled Underline

Are garbanzo beans good for you?

As a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, chickpeas may offer a variety of health benefits, such as improving digestion, aiding weight management and reducing the risk of diseases.

What about chickpea protein?

dditionally, chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets!

Try the following easy prep tips for creating recipes with dried or canned garbanzo beans...

How to cook dried chickpeas 4 ways: Long soak and simmer on the stovetop:  8-12 hours soak time plus 2 hours cook time. Quick soak and simmer on the stove: Rapid 5 minute boil followed by 1 hour soak time plus 2 hours cook time. In the Slow Cooker: No soaking required. 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat In a pressure cooker or Instant Pot: No soaking required. Approximate 1 hour cook time.

How To Long Soak Chickpeas

Add the beans to a large bowl and cover with water. You may need to add more water over the soaking time to keep the beans submerged.  Soak the beans 8 hours or overnight. Then, after soaking the beans, drain and rinse them. 

How To Quick Soak Chickpeas

Add dried chickpeas to a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes then take off of the heat and let the beans sit in the water for 1 hour. After soaking the beans, drain the water then return the beans to the pot to cook by any of the methods.