28 Great Chickpea Recipes - Parade - Entertaining, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays

garbanzo beans they are the chicken of the legume family because, like chicken, they can be used in all kinds of dishes, in all kinds of ways. Roast them for a snack, process them into hummus, puree them for falafel, or add them to a wide variety of soups, salads, and sauces. With the right chickpea recipe, you can whisk them into Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, or Moroccan dishes. Chickpea is so versatile and beloved that it is a staple ingredient in many popular dishes around the world.

Wait, chickpeas are chickpeas?

First, let’s clarify. Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same thing, it’s just a difference in etymology. The word “chickpea” has a Latin root, derived from Cicer, which refers to legumes as a whole. “Garbanzo” is a Spanish root that combines the words “seed” and “dry.”

Related: 110 foods you can eat on the Mediterranean diet

Are Chickpeas Good For You?

Chickpeas are a great plant-based protein for vegans and vegetarians alike. But even if you’re a meat eater, there’s good reason to seek out this little powerhouse the next time you hit the market.

For starters, chickpeas are high in fiber. Fiber satisfies your hunger longer after a meal and supports digestive health. The combination of protein and fiber in chickpeas also help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, chickpeas are packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals for good health and disease prevention, including iron, B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, and copper.

Why cook with chickpeas?

Legumes are generally inexpensive, and chickpeas are available in both canned and frozen packs. It’s also super easy to cook a batch of dry beans on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, and in an Instant Pot pressure cooker.

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Are Chickpeas Keto?

Her chickpea recipes may sound delicious and full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but consider closing the cookbook if you’re following the ketogenic diet. Chickpeas and similar legumes have about 22 grams of carbohydrates per half cup. So while you can still eat them, do so in moderation and pair them with these keto foods.

Do chickpeas have protein?

Chickpeas are a great source of protein, offering around 6 grams per half cup. That’s comparable to black beans and lentils, and as a bonus, they’re all plant-based, making it an even healthier choice than animal protein.

Related: Dealing With Low Estrogen Levels? Consider Loading Up These 15 Foods

Are chickpeas gluten free?

If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’re in luck. Chickpeas naturally have none. Eat up!

How long do chickpeas last in the fridge?

Cooked chickpeas will last three to five days in the refrigerator. Make sure you store them in an airtight container. And always use your senses if you’re worried you’ve put them away for too long. If they look, smell, or taste bad, throw them away. You can also put the cooked chickpeas in the freezer where they will keep longer, up to three months.

And remember, you can save the cooking liquid to make aquafaba, which is a great substitute for egg whites. Let the aquafaba cool completely after cooking the chickpeas, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

The best chickpea recipes

Next time you’re in the market, grab a couple of cans or a bag of dried chickpeas and have some fun with them in the kitchen. This selection of chickpea recipes offers ideas for snacks, easy lunches, side dishes, main dishes, and soups.

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

two tacos stuffed with spicy cauliflower, chickpeas and vegetables on parchment paper — Erin Clarke

Mixing the cauliflower and beans in a spice mix amps up the flavor, as does high-heat roasting,

Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

Spiced Chickpea Spread

Add variety to your standard hummus with this easy recipe. parade Chef Jon Ashton.

Get the recipe: Spiced Chickpea Pasta

Carrot Salad with Tahini, Chickpeas and Pistachios

Deb-Perelman-Carrot-Salad-FTR — Deb Perelman

This chickpea recipe is remarkably versatile, working as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main dish.

Get the recipe: Carrot Salad with Tahini, Chickpeas, and Pistachios

Warm cauliflower and chickpea salad with pomegranate seeds

When you’re stuck in a food rut, why not try this light and bright, and slightly non-traditional salad?

Get the recipe: Warm Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

Chickpea bruschetta

Skip the tomatoes for this alternate version of bruschetta from Chef Jon Ashton of Parade.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Bruschetta

North African Chickpea Soup

Chickpeas absorb flavor well and are the star of this soup. Serve with flatbread and harissa sauce, a spicy condiment available in many supermarkets.

Get the recipe: North African Chickpea Soup

Chickpea Curry Salad Sandwiches

Make this perfect lunch recipe with staples from your pantry and refrigerator.

Get the recipe: Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Chickpea and Bacon Crackers

Chickpeas-Bacon-Crackers_FTR — Theresa Blackburn

This quick snack is perfect for the holidays, watching football, or entertaining.

Get the recipe: Bacon Chickpea Crackers

Roasted Chickpeas with Honey and Cinnamon

Create a healthier junk food – This chickpea recipe makes a super crunchy treat more addictive than those junk snacks you can’t get out of your kid’s hands.

Get the recipe: Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas

Lentil and Chickpea Burgers

These chickpea lentil burgers are packed with nutrients and make a wonderful vegetarian option for burger night.

Get the recipe: Lentil and Chickpea Burgers

Related: 30 Amazing Salad Recipes

Martha Stewart’s Lamb and Chickpea Sliders

Please both the carnivores and the vegetarians in the family by preparing two types of mini burgers that taste great with the same ingredients. Get the recipe: Martha Stewart Chickpea and Lamb Burgers — MARK BOUGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY/STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN; Anders Krusberg/TV FOOD NETWORK

If you’re serving both carnivores and vegetarians, keep it simple and grill a variety of miniature burgers (some lamb, some chickpea) and offer the same toppings with warm pita bread for both,” says Martha Stewart.

Get the recipe: Chickpea and Lamb Pancakes

Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Warm-Kale-Salad-Roasted-Chickpeas-Skillet-Love_FTR — Danielle Atkins

Toss croutons and dip into crispy chickpeas for a memorable salad.

Get the recipe here: Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Edamame, Chickpea and Corn Salad

This easy edamame, chickpea, and corn salad is based on tasty, inexpensive staples and is so easy to throw together for no-fuss lunches.

Get the recipe: Edamame, Chickpea, and Corn Salad

Cajun Fried Chickpeas

Get a kick and a crunch with this tasty fried snack.

Get the recipe: Cajun Fried Chickpeas

Chili Lime Roasted Chickpeas

Andrew Purcell for Dash; Food Design, Carrie Purcell; Prop Styling, Stephanie Hanes

For a snack with a fantastic kick, try this easy chickpea recipe – it pairs well with an ice cold beer!

Get the recipe: Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted Chickpeas with Parmesan and Garlic

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK BOUGHTON / STYLING BY TERESA BLACKBURN

Whip up this tasty snack before a road trip, then take them out for a snack to keep pit stops to a minimum.

Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas

Vanessa Seder Chickpea Yogurt Soup

Chickpea Soup with Yogurt-FTR — Stacey Cramp

A creamy, no-cook, Middle Eastern-inspired soup to soothe soul and stomach.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Yogurt Soup

Chickpea and spinach curry

Chickpeas Spinach Curry — Mark Boughton Photography / Styling by Teresa Blackburn

Think of this as a fanciful, flavorful take on rice and beans from a blogger born in Guyana, where chickpea curry is hugely popular.

Get the recipe: Spinach Chickpea Curry

Lemon Chicken with Chickpeas

Lemon and spices combine to create a delicious sauce in this tasty meal.

Get the recipe: Lemon Chicken with Chickpeas

Spinach, Chickpea, and Chorizo Hash with Eggs

jan-feb-label-to-table-chickpeas-spinach-hash-ftr — Andrew Purcell for Dash

This super easy and healthy hash is a one pot wonder that makes an ideal weeknight dinner.

Get the recipe: Spinach, Chickpea, and Chorizo Hash with Eggs

Related: 27 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Dinners

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Vegan-Chickpeas-Noodles-Soup-FTR — Photography by Emily von Euw, Kathy Hester, Linda and Alex Meyer, Arie Reginato, Celine Sten, and Amber St. Peter

Try this vegan version of a classic comfort soup.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Noodle Soup

pumpkin hummus

Feel a little more festive in the fall!

Get the recipe: Pumpkin Hummus

Chickpea and Parsley Salad

This easy chickpea recipe comes together in a snap. But don’t let the ease of preparation fool you – this is a flavor-packed chickpea salad that you’ll make again and again.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Parsley Salad

Bowl of savory yogurt with chickpeas, cucumber and beetroot

SavoryYogurtBowl-FTR — Photo by Mark Boughton

Bobby Flay recommends mixing and matching when making this delicious bowl of yogurt.

Get the recipe: Savory Yogurt Bowl with Chickpeas, Cucumber, and Beetroot

Black-Eyed Pea and Kale Salad with Chickpea Vinaigrette

Salad of Caritas and Kale with Chickpea Vinaigrette

This healthy salad is a hit at holiday parties.

Get the recipe: Black-Eyed Pea and Kale Salad with Chickpea Vinaigrette

Chickpea Tabbouleh with Grilled Chicken and Artichokes

chickpea-tabouleh-with-grilled-chicken-and-artichokes-title — Bobbi Burleson

The shimmer of lemon juice, fresh mint and parsley, sweet tomatoes, with the creaminess of chickpeas and the smokiness of grilled chicken is perfection on one plate!

Get the recipe: Chickpea Tabbouleh with Grilled Chicken and Artichokes

falafel waffles

Made with a can of chickpeas and bold seasonings, these tasty waffles are also gluten-free. Serve with your favorite sauce – tzatziki is a great combination.

Get the recipe: Falafel Waffle