While many are familiar with hummus and falafel, the versatility of chickpeas or garbanzo beans often goes unexplored. This starchy legume boasts a unique earthy taste and nutty undertones, making it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of dishes. Beyond the well-known recipes, a world of possibilities awaits. Hearty meals and soul-warming soups can be crafted using this humble legume as the foundation.
If you’re eager to expand your culinary horizons, this guide offers a curated collection of delectable chickpea recipe ideas designed to inspire creativity with this versatile ingredient. Whether you opt for dried or canned, this list provides endless opportunities for experimentation and exploration.
Roasted chickpeas
Indulge in a satisfying crunch with our roasted chickpea recipe, a simple yet flavorful snack that’s ready in just 30-35 minutes. The best part? You get to customize the flavor with your favorite spices, from classic salt and black pepper to more adventurous options like cayenne pepper, dried rosemary, oregano, smoked paprika, or even Dijon mustard. With so many possibilities, you’re sure to find a combination that hits the spot.
Zucchini chickpea curry
Indulge in the rich flavors of zucchini chickpea curry, a dish that’s sure to elevate your appreciation for this beloved legume. The harmonious blend of straightforward ingredients results in a truly satisfying culinary experience that’s likely to please even the pickiest eaters.While the recipe itself is delightful, serving it atop pasta, quinoa, rice, or salad adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Discover the full recipe by clicking here.
Chickpea tikka masala
While you don’t need to venture out to an Indian restaurant to savor the rich flavors of chickpea tikka masala, this simple recipe will transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen. As one of my top picks for delicious and easy-to-make dishes featuring chickpeas, this recipe showcases the legumes’ unique character after being cooked twice, resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
The addition of creamy tikka sauce adds a silky texture and a velvety smoothness to each bite. Serve this flavorful dish over fluffy rice or with crispy naan bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Chickpea nuggets
Ditch the traditional chicken nuggets and give these innovative chickpea nuggets a try! The process is surprisingly simple and uncomplicated. To make them, you’ll need some essential ingredients: canned chickpeas, oat flour, panko bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, and a blend of powdered spices. Once you’ve prepared the nuggets, serve them with your preferred dipping sauce and savor the flavor.
A helpful tip for those who are running low on nutritional yeast is to substitute it with parmesan cheese – a clever solution! Here’s the recipe:
Crunchy cinnamon chickpeas
Indulge in the delightful combination of crunchy texture and sweet flavor with these cinnamon chickpeas – the perfect party snack! The key to achieving their irresistible crispiness lies in the simple yet effective process of removing the skins before baking, followed by a gentle drying session after rinsing. The sweetness, on the other hand, is expertly balanced through the addition of a cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds depth and warmth to each bite.
To ensure the sugar adheres evenly to the chickpeas, simply blend it first to create a finer crystal structure. With this recipe, you’ll be well-equipped to impress your guests at your next gathering – find out more here.
Chickpea patties
If you’re craving burgers but plant-based is your vibe, this chickpea patties recipe is a game-changer. The patties are made with a medley of vegetables like cauliflower florets, chickpeas, onion, and parsley, all seasoned with savory flavors from garlic and onion powder. Feel free to take it up a notch by adding your go-to hot sauce for an extra kick! This recipe isn’t just limited to satisfying your cravings – you can also prep the patties ahead of time for a barbecue party or gathering.
Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture. Here’s the complete recipe:
Coconut chickpea curry
Indulge in a flavorful culinary journey by transforming chickpeas into a rich and satisfying coconut chickpea curry. Each savory bite will transport you to the vibrant streets of India, where aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, caramelized yellow onion, and a squeeze of lime juice come together in perfect harmony. For an added burst of freshness, consider sprinkling some chopped cilantro on top.
If you’re planning ahead, be sure to let the curry cool before refrigerating it for later enjoyment. And if you’d like to get your hands on the recipe, simply click here.
Mediterranean chickpea soup
In just under 30 minutes, this Mediterranean chickpea soup can be prepared and enjoyed. Its simplicity is part of its charm, as it’s not only quick to make but also packed with flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied. The real star of the show is the vegetable broth, which lends a depth of flavor to the dish that’s hard to replicate. While lemon juice isn’t essential to the recipe, adding a small amount towards the end of cooking can add a bright and refreshing twist to the overall taste.
For those interested in learning more about this recipe, additional details can be found here.
Chopped Thai chickpea salad
Indecisive about what to do with garbanzo beans or chickpeas? Consider this innovative Thai-inspired salad that’s sure to win you over! With a minimal list of ingredients, don’t be discouraged – this recipe is well worth the effort. The combination of carrots, red cabbage, chickpeas, jalapeño, cilantro, and green onion is a true delight, with each ingredient complementing the others in perfect harmony.
To take it to the next level, a specially crafted dressing infused with curry and turmeric adds a refreshing, earthy, and nutty dimension. Give it a try and you’ll be dancing with joy! Get the recipe here.
5-ingredient chickpea salad
If you’re a sandwich enthusiast, let’s dive into a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! This chickpea salad sandwich requires only five essential ingredients you likely already have stocked in your kitchen. The best part? It can be whipped up in just about 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those on-the-go moments. What sets this salad apart is its delightful crunch, courtesy of celery and onion.
Serve it with crackers or as a filling for sandwiches – the possibilities are endless! And to make it even easier, I’ve listed out the five ingredients you’ll need below.
Falafel
While it’s true I encouraged you to look beyond the classic hummus and falafel pairings, I still chose to include this timeless snack as it remains an iconic representation of chickpea-based cuisine. This particular falafel recipe boasts a delightful blend of dried garbanzo beans, red onions, fresh parsley, garlic, all-purpose flour, and warm cumin.
It’s essential to note that the success of this recipe hinges on first soaking the dried chickpeas in water overnight before combining them with the other ingredients. This crucial step allows the peas to expand significantly, doubling their original size. For a comprehensive guide on how to bring this flavorful snack to life, please refer to the provided link.
Garlic broccoli stir fry
Indulge in the savory delight of garlic broccoli stir fry, where tender broccoli florets and chickpeas are cooked in a rich vegetable broth and smothered in a mouthwatering garlic ginger sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect for serving on its own or paired with a side of rice. The taste is nothing short of phenomenal, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts! When it comes to leftovers, don’t worry – this recipe stores beautifully.
Just be sure to seal it tightly in an airtight container to preserve the flavors. And if you’re eager to get started, here’s the simple recipe:
Peanut chickpea veggie bowl
Savoring the flavors of this delectable peanut chickpea veggie bowl, you’ll discover a harmonious union of textures and tastes. The foundation of fluffy white rice provides a comforting base, while the sautéed kale adds a burst of garlicky freshness. Meanwhile, the chickpeas are transformed by a rich peanut sauce that infuses each bite with depth and complexity.
This delightful dish is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort yet yielding maximum flavor.
Whether you prefer it served hot or cold, the ideal way to experience this recipe is fresh from the pan, when the aromas are at their most enticing.
For the full recipe, click here and indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Sweet and sour chickpeas and green beans
For a speedy weeknight dinner solution, this recipe is an excellent choice. It combines sautéed green beans or broccoli with canned chickpeas in a tangy sweet sauce. Feel free to mix things up by adding chicken and a can of diced tomatoes for a pop of color. Here’s the recipe:
Firecracker chickpea meatballs
If you’re a fan of meatballs and spicy flavors, chances are you’ve already come across the infamous firecracker chickpea meatballs. And if that’s the case, you might be wondering how you can bring these tasty treats to your next gathering or party. The good news is that this recipe requires minimal cooking expertise, making it accessible to anyone looking to spice up their snack game.
All you need to do is prepare the chickpea meatballs, combine them with a firecracker sauce, and you’ll be all set to impress your friends and family. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip together! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Want to learn more about how to make these mouth-watering meatballs? Head over to [link] for the full recipe and instructions.
Buffalo chickpea salad wraps
Indulge in the bold flavors of this buffalo chickpea salad wraps recipe, where spicy, tangy, and crispy elements come together in perfect harmony! The best part? It’s a cinch to prepare. Simply mash those chickpeas, combine them with mayonnaise, a drizzle of buffalo sauce, your preferred vegetables, and spices, then wrap it all up in a warmed tortilla for a satisfying treat. That’s the beauty of this recipe – simplicity at its finest!
Vegan quesadillas
Indulge in a game-changing vegan quesadillas experience by pairing it with fresh tomato sauce and creamy guacamole! The star of this show is a flavorful filling featuring mashed chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, spicy hot peppers, pungent garlic, fragrant parsley, refreshing mint leaves, peppery arugula, and warm cumin. Simply spread this tantalizing mixture onto a tortilla, fold it neatly, and toast for two minutes to bring out the magic.
Chickpea tofu
The fascinating world of plant-based alternatives just got a whole lot more exciting with the introduction of chickpea tofu – also known as Burmese tofu. This unique ingredient is crafted from a simple combination of chickpea flour, water, and vegetable oil.
But that’s not all – the addition of other flavor-enhancing ingredients like turmeric and nutritional yeast can elevate this mixture to new heights.
And now, without further ado, here’s the recipe to get you started on your culinary adventure!
Chinese five-spice chickpeas
If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying meat-free dish to add some variety to your repertoire, look no further than this Low Syn Chinese five-spice chickpeas recipe! A game-changer for vegetarians and flexitarians alike, it combines the humble chickpea with an array of aromatic ingredients like onion, red pepper, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice, sambal oelek, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup. To finish it off, spring onions provide a fresh and crunchy contrast.
And if you’re unable to track down the spicy kick of sambal oelek, simply swap it out with some cayenne pepper – problem solved!
Buffalo chickpea taquitos
Indulge in the delightful flavor of buffalo chickpea taquitos, a finger food that’s surprisingly effortless to prepare. This recipe is a game-changer, with its crispy exterior giving way to a spicy and heavenly combination of garbanzo beans. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand, including tortillas, chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, hot sauce, and spices.
And when it’s time to enjoy these tasty treats, don’t forget to dip them in your favorite accompaniment for the ultimate snacking experience. To get started, simply head here for the recipe.
Chickpea cookie dough
This innovative chickpea-based treat is designed to be devoured in its raw form, as a cookie dough, rather than being baked into traditional cookies. Don’t worry, it’s still a delight! When crafted just right, you’ll end up with a dough that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and texture, boasting a silky smooth consistency. For an elevated dessert experience, consider adding some crunchy pretzel pieces, chopped nuts, or dried fruits to give it an added layer of sophistication.
Moroccan salad
This Moroccan-inspired salad is a culinary masterpiece that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Its vibrant flavors and textures come together to create a truly show-stopping dish. A medley of ingredients, including spiced chickpeas, quinoa, roasted butternut squash, sweet beets, crunchy cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, are brought together by a tangy and revitalizing lemon vinaigrette.
The harmonious blend of herbs and spices elevates the salad to new heights, making it an impressive choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. And best of all, you can get the recipe here.
Pumpkin chickpea blondies
Indulge in these scrumptious moist pumpkin chickpea blondies, packed with sweetness and chocolatey goodness. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare using pantry staples, making them the perfect solution for those sudden cravings that strike at any time. If you haven’t yet discovered the delightful world of chickpea-based treats, this recipe is an excellent opportunity to start.
The bottom line
Here, I’ve curated 23 innovative recipe ideas featuring garbanzo beans, showcasing their versatility beyond just traditional hummus. Feel free to experiment and expand your culinary horizons with these creative options, liberating you from the monotony of sticking to the same old recipes.
