How to cook Chickpeas: Foolproof Tips

How to cook dried chickpeas

Firstly, it is essential to rinse dried chickpeas and ensure all tiny stones, rocks, and dirt are removed before you cook them. The most common way to cook chickpeas without soaking them is in a slow cooker. All you need to do is place the chickpeas, water, and, if you like, seasoning in a slow cooker for 4 hours on high heat or 6 to 8 hours on low heat. 

Dried chickpeas can also be cooked in an instant pot. Add the chickpeas, water, and desired seasonings to the instant pot. This time you’ll need to put your Instant Pot's lid in place and then turn the steam release valve to the "sealing" position. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button on your machine and cook for 50 to 60 minutes under high pressure, then for 20 minutes on natural release. To cook your dried chickpeas on a stovetop, simply simmer the chickpeas for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Make sure the water is kept at a low simmer, and remove any froth. 

How to soak chickpeas

Soaking chickpeas improves digestion and nutrient absorption. There are two options for how to soak chickpeas and how long to soak chickpeas for. 

Long soak method

The first option is a long soak. Simply soak the chickpeas for 8 hours or overnight in a bowl, then drain and rinse the chickpeas. You might have to add extra water throughout the soaking period to keep the beans submerged since the beans triple in size as they rehydrate. 

Quick soaking method

The other option is to quick-soak chickpeas by boiling them. 

Boiling chickpeas

1. Place the dry chickpeas in a large pot with water and boil for five minutes.
2. Turn off the heat and let the beans soak in the water for an hour.
3. Drain the soaked chickpeas, and just like that, they’ll be ready for cooking. 

How to cook chickpeas after soaking

Cooking chickpeas after soaking them can cut up to half their cooking time. This is the main difference between cooking dry chickpeas and soaked chickpeas. Follow the exact instructions as those given on how to cook dried chickpeas but take note of the new cooking times. 

How long to cook chickpeas after soaking them

• To cook soaked chickpeas with a slow cooker, you’ll now only need to cook them for 2 hours on high. 
• If you’re using an instant pot, then you’ll cook the chickpeas for 15 minutes on high pressure, then for 5 minutes on natural release if they were soaked overnight. If they were quick soaked, then you will cook them for 35 minutes on high pressure, then for 10 minutes on natural release. 
• To cook soaked chickpeas on a stovetop, simmer the chickpeas for an hour and 15 minutes if they were soaked overnight, and for an hour and 30 minutes if they were quick soaked.

How to cook chickpeas in the slow cooker

Cooking chickpeas in a slow cooker may be the simplest method yet. With this preparation method, you can place a large quantity of chickpeas in a slow cooker or crockpot with some water or broth, cover it, and go away for a few hours. Simply take a 2 and 1/2-quart slow cooker and fill it with water, chickpeas, and baking soda. Cover your slow cooker and cook over high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 8 to 9 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender. Drain and use right away in the meal of your choice.

How to cook chickpeas in a pressure cooker

Your pressure cooker should be filled to the 1/3 mark with water before adding the chickpeas, salt, and water. Lock the lid and cover it. Bring the chickpeas to a boil over high heat for about 15 minutes. Turn down the heat until you can hardly hear the pressure cooker hissing. For 45 minutes, let them simmer. Run cold water over the lid for five minutes to relieve the pressure. Open with caution. Drain and serve your chickpeas in a potato dish or with radish.

How to cook chickpeas on the stove

Put the chickpeas you've soaked in a pot. Add two inches of water and salt to the chickpeas. Bring to a boil. Simmer the chickpeas until the proper consistency is achieved. To prevent the beans from burning during cooking, ensure they are always covered in water by adding more water; approximately every 45 minutes, add extra water. Drain any excess water after your chickpeas have reached the desired consistency, then serve.

How to cook chickpeas in the oven

It only takes three simple steps to prepare oven-roasted chickpeas.

1. The chickpeas should be rinsed and dried with a soft cloth before being placed in the oven. 
2. Add all the spices, salt, and pepper to a small bowl, and mix to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle the spice over the chickpeas and toss to coat after adding a little olive oil.
3. Coat your baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the seasoned chickpeas. Toss them and shake the pan every ten minutes as you roast them in the oven at 400 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.

How to cook canned chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are the quickest and easiest chickpeas to cook. Simply drain the chickpeas, rinse them with water, and then put them in a pot with half a cup of water. Over medium heat, add oil and seasonings to the canned chickpeas while cooking them for 30 minutes. You can then serve them immediately in a salad, add them to a stir-fry or store them away for later use. 

What goes with chickpeas?

Now that you know how to cook chickpeas in all these different ways, let’s now discuss what pairs well with your chickpeas.

Fruit and Vegetables

• cabbage
• cauliflower
• arugula
• kale
• pumpkin
• sweet potato
• spinach
• eggplant

Protein

• fish
• white rice
• egg
• mayonnaise
• caramel
• nuts

Recipes with chickpeas

Here are a few more recipes to help you serve your chickpeas differently each time:

• Curried Chickpeas with Mint, Cilantro, Chutney
• Chickpea burger
• Quinoa Cakes With Chickpeas And Mango Salsa
• Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Bowls
• Chickpea curry