Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a versatile ingredient you can do lots of things with. They are loaded with nutrients, including protein and fiber, which make chickpeas a clear choice for a well-rounded meal plan. You can find them canned for the utmost convenience. Simply give them a rinse and they’re ready to go. If you want some awesome new things to do with chickpeas, you have come to the right place. Here are my new favorites. I hope you love them as much as I do.
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1. Add Them to Soup
Let’s be honest – some types of soup just don’t satisfy your appetite. You need to load soup with hearty ingredients so you aren’t left feeling hungry. Chickpeas are the perfect choice because they have a mild flavor that won’t alter the taste of your favorite soup. Try them in vegetable soup or chili for a meal that is filling and delicious at the same time.
2. Roast Them
This is one of my favorite things to do with chickpeas. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, then scatter the chickpeas in a single layer. Give them another spritz of cooking spray, then season them with your favorite herbs and spices. My favorite combination is garlic salt and crushed red pepper. Roast them at 450 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crunchy.
Frequently asked questions
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Chickpeas are so versatile. You can whip up a hearty chickpea curry, blend them into a savory hummus, or even try them roasted for a crunchy snack. Have you ever tried chickpea pancakes or baking them into a delicious loaf of chickpea bread? They're a game-changer!
Chickpeas add a delightful texture and protein boost to any salad. You can simply toss them into your favorite greens, add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a bit of feta cheese. For an extra zing, drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil – it's a refreshing and satisfying salad!
Chickpeas love being paired with bold, zesty flavors. Think cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric. They also go great with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. And if you're feeling adventurous, try mixing them with a spicy curry sauce or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Yes, absolutely! Garbanzo beans is just another name for chickpeas. So don't worry if you see 'garbanzo' in a recipe. It's the same delicious, versatile bean that's perfect for all sorts of culinary adventures.
Totally! Chickpeas can make for some surprisingly delicious desserts. Have you ever tried chickpea blondies or cookies? They have this incredible texture and add a healthy twist to your sweet treats. Just give it a try; you might just find your new favorite dessert!
3. Mash Them
Don’t eat meat? Hate the taste of tuna? Chickpeas are a great alternative for making into a salad that you can eat on bread. Simply mash the chickpeas with come mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Add a few drops of hot sauce if you like things spicy. Spread the mixture on bread and top with your favorite veggies. Yum!
4. Add Them to Salad
Just like with soup, adding chickpeas to a salad gives your meal extra protein and fills you up with very few calories. They taste great cold, so you can combine them with your favorite veggies. Chickpeas taste especially wonderful with vinaigrette so they also make a tasty addition to Greek or Italian style salads.
Chickpeas are a versatile, nutrient-rich legume that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Adding chickpeas to a salad is an excellent way to increase the protein and fiber content of the meal, while keeping the calorie count low. Chickpeas have a pleasant, nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. They can be added to salads in their whole form, or they can be mashed and mixed with other ingredients to create a delicious salad dressing or topping.
Chickpeas can also be used to make a variety of delicious soups. A simple chickpea soup can be made by simmering chickpeas in vegetable broth with a variety of herbs and spices. Chickpeas can also be used to make a creamy, vegan-friendly soup by blending cooked chickpeas with vegetable stock and other ingredients.
5. Spice Them
If you’re looking for a way to serve chickpeas as a side dish, this this the one for you. Sauté the chickpeas with cumin, chopped onions, diced green chilies and salt and pepper. Garnish the mixture with cilantro, diced tomatoes and a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve the dish with burritos or enchiladas.
6. Make Baked Beans
Do you love homemade baked beans? My mom always makes them with a bunch of different kinds of beans. That means you can easily add some chickpeas, which will only make the dish better. You don’t need to change your recipe at all – simply sub in some chickpeas for a portion of the beans you usually use. Serve with your favorite barbecue meal.
7. Fry up Some Falafel
Falafel is a Middle Eastern food that is so good! It’s crispy and tastes great with cucumber sauce. To make it, mix mashed garbanzo beans with diced onion, garlic, cumin, fresh parsley, flour, eggs, salt and pepper. Then heat some oil in a large skillet and form the chickpea mixture into patties and fry them until golden brown and crispy.
What’s your favorite thing to do with chickpeas? They are so easy to find and so inexpensive, it just makes sense to try one of these ideas. Which one do you think you’ll start with?
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