Wondering what to do with those canned chickpeas in your pantry? Here are 15 easy ways to use a can of chickpeas that are all different, unique, and delicious! From dips to whole meals,everything you need is here!
If you were to ask my what my favourite legume was, I would 100%, without a doubt, say chickpeas. They are the powerhouse ingredient that keep our household going, being featured in at least one recipe every week, and sometimes up to four in our fridge.
In fact, these “beans” are definitely in my top ten favourite ingredients of all time. So it’s no surprise thatI have so many chickpea recipes (and also that I desperately need to add my new hummus recipe to the blog). I didn’t even think of doing this roundup, but I know one of the questions you guys ask me all the time is,
What can I do with a can of chickpeas?
We used to have that can of chickpeas sitting in the back of our pantry, so I get it. Now however, we are constantly buying more because we go through them so quickly. Today, I’m here to share all the things you can do with chickpeas. Whether you’re completely clueless on how to use them, or that you’re bored of your current go-to recipes, you’ll find something that you will adore in this list.
What are chickpeas?
Chickpeas are legumes that are a part of the plant familyFabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It’s high in protein, fibre and is super nutritious. It’s also known as garbanzo beans! So if you’ve ever wondered “what’s the different between chickpeas and garbanzo beans,” they are the same thing!
One of the greatest things about these legumes is that it isincredibly versatile. Thanks to its creamy texture after it is cooked, it can pretty much take on any shape that you want it to. The same goes for its flavour — chickpeas has a distinct yet semi-neutral flavour, perfect for anything from a vegan tuna sandwich to chickpea blondies.
One last thing — the great debate — canned vs. dried chickpeas. We always have cans of them on hand because they are very easy to use, and as you know here at Jessica in the Kitchen I’m all about sharing easy, attainable and delicious recipes. That being said, the dried varieties are much cheaper, and not very difficult to boil. Just ensure that you are buying the right kind (I do not enjoy Canadian chickpeas, for example), and watch a few YouTube videos about how to cook them first!
I have also been getting another question which is “are canned chickpeas cooked?” Yes, they are already cooked and ready to eat! You’ll just need to drain them and rinse before you use them for your recipe.
Put that can of chickpeas to good use with this list of easy ways to use chickpeas every day! From meal prep snacks to decadent dinner recipes, I've got it all with just humble and nutritious chickpeas!
Vegan Tuna Sandwich
When I say that this tastes like a tuna salad, I mean it tastes JUST like a tuna salad! Thanks to the texture of chickpeas and its ability to absorb pretty much any flavour, your new favourite quick lunch is born! We always have a container of this in the house. It goes great in sandwiches, by itself, in lettuce wraps, and pretty much anywhere you would use a tuna salad!
15-Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
If you’ve never had chickpeas in your salad, it’s time to try them. They add such a great texture, protein, fibre, and nutrition. Plus, they taste literally any combination of veggies from a plate to veggies, to a full meal.Don't forget my chickpea Panzanella salad and my crunchy kale and chickpea salad with a homemade lemon poppyseed dressing!
Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich
This is one of my favourite sandwiches! It’s perfect if you also need to use up an avocado, too. This smashed chickpea sandwich is quick and easy to make. Thanks to a little lime, you can prep the filling ahead of time for a creamy vegan meal prep lunch.
Vegan Spicy BBQ Chickpea Pizza
Out of all the ways to use chickpeas, this is probably my favourite way ever! This is such a delicious and unexcited pizza combination, and so worth trying, trust me! The chickpeas are tossed in a barbecue sauce then baked on top of the pizza.Yum!
Curried Satay Veggie Bowls
It never occurred to me to use chickpeas in a sauce until I shared this recipe from my friend Lindsay’s cookbook. The Mr. really devoured this one. The chickpeas make a creamy and protein-rich sauce that you’ll want to put all your veggies in!
Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a go to chickpea move that can get a little boring sometimes. When you have agreatrecipe base though, you’ll be eating it for days! This Roasted Red Pepper Hummus is super creamy and rich in flavour. When you make it, you can also prepare a crunchycrudités platter, too!
Even though I didn’t use chickpeas originally in this winter vegetable soup, it’s the kind of broth and tomato-based soup that would happily and easily invite them. Chickpeas add a healthy dose of protein to your soup, while absorbing lots of delicious flavour.
This is one of my most popular recipes ever, and once you try, you'll see why! The chickpeas are everything in this delicious tomato based curry sauce. You’re bound to remake this if you try it, and it freezes beautifully for meal prep.
BBQ Chickpea Wraps with Ranch Dressing
Could this BBQ Chickpea Wrap be more beautiful? Paired with my oil-free ranch dressing, it’s a dream lunch or dinner. The chickpeas are baked down in barbecue sauce, which adds that beautiful char to them and a depth of yummy flavour.
BBQ Chickpea Tacos with Kale Cabbage Slaw (Vegan)
Before I made these BBQ Chickpea Tacos, I wondered how it took me so long to think of this idea! Chickpeas make a great taco filling because they absorb any flavor you throw at them. Combined with pickled onions and a kale cabbage slaw, these tacos are quick and quite the treat.
Vegan Meatloaf
This is how chickpeas go from canned to an amazing meal. This Vegan Meatloaf is incredibly easy to make and really transforms the chickpeas. Here they act as a binder and protein source alongside the lentils, bake quickly, and serve you for days! Some people even put slices into sandwiches, so this dish can be transformed into any way you want it to be.
How to Make Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
This has got to be one of my favourite snacks, ever! This is actually a popular Trinidadian snack too with spicy spices on it. Making Crispy Roasted Chickpeas will change the way you see this little legume. It’s addictive, perfect for snacking and adds protein and fibre to your day! Plus, they stay crispy for a couple of days in an air tight container for the best meal prep snack.
Nourish Buddha Bowl with Harissa Tahini Dressing
Who doesn’t love a great Buddha bowl? Chickpeas make the perfect side because you can swirl them into other ingredients or right into the sauce, and they add protein to the dish! You can dress them up by toasting them first or in barbecue sauce, or just rinse them and have them plain.
Vegan Beet Falafel with Harissa Tahini Dressing
This is a very common and popular way to use chickpeas, but this Beet Falafel adds a colour and playful twist to the classic. Plus instead of being fried, it’s a baked falafel that tastes fried. Perfect if you don’t like frying and want to cut back on the oil.
Chickpea and Beet Vegan Meatballs
This oldie but goodie uses chickpeas and beets again (clearly, a favourite combination of mine by this point) to produce a gorgeous and almost luxurious looking vegan meatball! They are so easy to make that you could easily double this recipe to meal prep them for the week.
Curried Chickpea Salad (15 Minutes)
Bonus item! Curried Chickpea Salad is just like your favourite curried chicken salad, veganised! This recipe takes only 15 minutes to make & is perfect for meal prep and on-the-go meals. This salad is perfect for putting in wraps, on a bed of greens, and more. It’s loaded with so much flavour and is SO delicious!
I hope you found this post extremely helpful! What recipe do you want to make first? What’s your favourite chickpea recipe? Let me know in the comments section below!
