A can of chickpeas is one of the most useful things in your cupboard. It costs very little, keeps for months, and turns into dips, snacks, sandwiches, stews and curries in minutes. These 7 easy chickpea recipes start with the quick ones (hummus in 10 minutes, a no-cook chickpea salad sandwich) and finish with cosy one-pot dinners. Six of them use canned chickpeas, so there is no soaking.
Quick picks: for a snack, make hummus or roasted chickpeas. For lunch, the chickpea salad sandwich. For dinner, chickpea and spinach stew or chana masala.
1. Easy Homemade Hummus
Creamy, extra smooth hummus from one can of chickpeas, tahini and lemon. Better than most store-bought tubs.
10 minutes, no cooking
Get the recipe2. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
A crunchy, smoky snack from canned chickpeas, in the oven or air fryer. Great on salads and soups too.
About 40 minutes
Get the recipe3. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mashed chickpeas with lemon, mustard, celery and dill. A no-cook lunch that keeps for 3 days.
10 minutes, no cooking
Get the recipe4. Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Chickpeas and spinach in a smoky garlic and tomato broth, all in one pot.
About 35 minutes, vegan
Get the recipe5. One-Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas simmered in coconut milk with warm spices and spinach. Serve over rice.
About 35 minutes, one pot
Get the recipe6. Chana Masala
The tangy, spiced Punjabi chickpea curry, made with canned chickpeas.
About 45 minutes, vegan and gluten-free
Get the recipe7. Baked Falafel Bowl
Herby falafel baked instead of fried, with rice, tahini sauce, cucumber and tomato.
Uses dried chickpeas soaked overnight
Get the recipeQuestions
How many chickpeas are in a can?
A standard 15 oz (400 g) can holds about 1 1/2 cups (around 240 g) of chickpeas once drained.
Should I rinse canned chickpeas?
Yes. Rinsing removes extra salt and the starchy liquid. Save the liquid (aquafaba) if you like; it can be whipped like egg whites for vegan baking.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead?
Yes. About 3/4 cup dried chickpeas makes the same amount as one can once soaked overnight and simmered until tender, usually 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Baked falafel is the exception: it needs soaked but uncooked dried chickpeas.
Are chickpeas healthy?
Chickpeas are a good source of plant protein and fibre and are naturally gluten-free, which is why they are so popular in vegetarian and vegan cooking.
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