13 Ways To Use a Can of Chickpeas (15-Minute Recipes)
Chickpeas are the unsung heroes of pantry staples. They’re versatile, healthy, and a lifesaver when you need to whip up something scrumptious in a hurry.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, a busy parent, or simply value your time, these lightning-fast canned chickpea recipes will become part of your weekly rotation.
But before you check out all of the wonderful ways you can use canned chickpeas, let’s answer some common questions.
Q: What can I use chickpeas for?
Canned chickpeas can be used for salads, curries, in a bowl, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, hummus, and more. They can also be roasted and seasoned for a crunchy protein-rich snack.
Q: How do I cook chickpeas from a can?
As canned chickpeas are already cooked, you can simply drain and rinse them and add them to your dish. If you want to warm them up, heat them in a saucepan with a little bit of olive oil for a few minutes until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven with some spices for added flavour and crunch.
Q: Should you use the water from a can of chickpeas?
Yes, you can use the water from a can of chickpeas, also known as aquafaba, as a vegan substitute for egg whites or eggs in many recipes, such as meringues, mayonnaise and baked dishes.
Q: Do you have to rinse canned chickpeas before cooking?
Yes, it’s a good idea to rinse canned chickpeas before using them in your recipes. Here’s why:
- Removes excess salt: Canned chickpeas are often packed in a liquid that contains salt. Rinsing them helps remove some of this excess salt, allowing you to have better control over the salt content in your dish.
- Improves flavour: Rinsing can remove any metallic or can-like flavours present due to the canning process.
- Reduces starchiness: Rinsing can also reduce the starchiness of the chickpeas, which can be desirable in certain recipes.
- Promotes digestibility: Some people find that rinsing canned chickpeas can make them easier to digest as you remove the foam. This will reduce the likelihood of digestive discomfort.
Canned chickpea recipes (vegan-friendly)
These recipes will elevate your canned chickpeas to superstar status in your kitchen, and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. Let's dive in and discover the joy of chickpeas in a can!
Marinated Chickpeas (2 Ways)
Enhance your dishes with our irresistible marinated chickpea recipes. The Herby Lemon Marinated Chickpeas offer zesty flavours of lemon and fresh parsley, while the Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas bring an exotic twist with aromatic spices. Try these quick and easy recipes to add a burst of taste to salads, wraps, pasta, and more. It's the hero in this 20-minute Moroccan Bowl.
Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad
Jessica in the Kitchen offers a vegan twist on the classic tuna salad sandwich. The recipe features hearty chickpeas as the star, complemented by briny capers, Old Bay seasoning, red onions, fresh herbs, and crisp pickles for a burst of flavour and texture.
Chana Masala
Lucy & Lentil's Chana Masala is a testament to the magic of canned ingredients. This makes it a perfect weeknight solution, requiring minimal fresh components. The dish has a foundation of tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and the aromatic touch of garam masala. Lucy's creation delivers a delicious and hearty bowl of goodness that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Lemon and Dill Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Malin, the amazing cook behind Good Eatings, presents her Lemon and Dill Chickpea Salad Sandwich. It's a harmonious blend of fresh and creamy flavours that wrap you in comfort with every bite. This sandwich isn't just delicious; it's also a speedy wonder, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules.
Middle Eastern Chickpea & Black Bean Salad
The Ambitious Kitchen's Middle Eastern Chickpea and Black Bean Salad is a protein-packed, gluten-free lunchtime delight with a Middle Eastern flair. Inspired by the mouthwatering 'Balela' salad found at Trader Joe's, this salad is highly customisable to suit individual preferences.
Chickpea Curry (Vegan)
Bianca of Elephantastic Vegan, presents a great solution for a speedy and satisfying meal with her Vegan Chickpea Curry. This gem proves that deliciousness doesn't have to be complicated. With just a handful of simple ingredients such as chickpeas, tomato purée, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices, you can create a flavourful one-pot wonder that's ready in no time.
Chickpea Gyros
Liz from I Heart Vegetables has created a dream recipe for chickpea lovers with her Chickpea Gyros. This recipe uses a simple pan-frying method to ensure crispy chickpeas without the lengthy oven wait. For a vegan twist, Liz suggests substituting yogurt with vegan Greek yogurt or generous hummus smears on each pita. Whether you prefer omitting red onions or experimenting with toppings, you have the freedom to make it your own. Liz recommends incorporating 2-3 crunchy veggies for added texture, and you can even toss in some shredded romaine lettuce for an extra crunch.
5-Minute Spicy Chickpeas
These flavour-packed chickpeas, ready in just 5 minutes, will quickly become your go-to combination. This gluten-free and vegan gem is not only a quick fix but also meal-prep-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeks. These spicy chickpeas effortlessly elevate a simple plant-based salad, creating a refreshing and delicious lunch.
Chickpea Salad Recipe
Bellyfull's Chickpea Salad is a vegan side dish that is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. It requires no cooking and can be assembled in just 15 minutes, offering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavours. Simply drain and rinse chickpeas, mix a zesty dressing, and toss everything together.
Vegan Avocado Chickpea Wraps
Hungry Me invites you to savour the delight of her Vegan Avocado Chickpea Wraps. These wraps are a true flavour explosion, featuring spicy smashed chickpeas made from simple, wholesome ingredients like canned chickpeas, garlic, chilli powder, and creamy avocado.
Green Chickpea Salad with Kale, Courgette, Fennel and Apple
Malin's culinary skills shine once again with her Green Chickpea Salad with Kale, Courgette, Fennel, and Apple. This dish perfectly represents freshness and vibrancy with a symphony of textures and flavours. The satisfying crunch of kale, courgette, and fennel is balanced perfectly with the delightful sweetness of the apple.
A zesty lemon vinaigrette brings all of these flavours together. Malin adds a savoury twist with nutritional yeast, and the chickpeas contribute their unique charm, elevating the salad to a new level of satisfaction.
Sautéed chickpeas
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Whether you crave a satisfying crunch or prefer a delightful blend of crispy exteriors and soft insides, Lillian's sautéed chickpeas can be tailored to your liking. The spice blend? That's entirely up to your taste buds, allowing you to create a flavour profile that suits your preferences perfectly.
Curried Chickpea Salad
This recipe offers a vegan twist on the classic curried chicken salad. It's perfect for meal prep and busy on-the-go moments, making it an excellent option for lunchtime inspiration or a picnic. The recipe is easy to make and requires no baking or heating.
13 Ways To Use a Can of Chickpeas (15-Minute Recipes)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2
Description
Looking for a delicious and quick 10-minute breakfast? Try these spiced chickpeas on avocado toast.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can / 425g / 15-ounces chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste if chickpeas are salted)
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 large avocado, mashed
- Chilli flakes
- Lemon juice
- Parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- In a frying pan on medium-high heat, add the oil and chickpeas. Wait for the water to evaporate from the drained chickpeas, then
cook until they start to brown a little. Be careful as they may pop. - Add in the cumin, turmeric, garlic, and salt and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing constantly to cover the chickpeas evenly.
- Toast the bread, add equal amounts of the smashed avocado to
each slice, top with chickpeas, chilli flakes, a good squeeze of
lemon, and parsley. - Serve straight away.
- Category: Breakfast
- Diet: Vegan
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