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    Home » Beans and Lentils

    Savory Vegan Chickpea Recipes

    Published: Jul 23, 2017 · Modified: Dec 7, 2020 by Jenn Sebestyen

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my Privacy Policy for more details.

    4 photo collage of vegan chickpea recipes.
    4 photo collage of vegan chickpea recipes.
    recipe image for Pinterest

    Chickpeas are inexpensive, nutritious, delicious, and super versatile. And they’re not just for hummus! These creative Vegan Chickpea Recipes will inspire you to get in the kitchen with this humble legume and start cooking up something delicious today!

    Collage of 16 vegan chickpea recipes
    Vegan Chickpea Recipes

    Chickpeas are an easy addition to a variety of savory meals. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks – it’s easy to increase the heartiness and protein of a recipe by adding a cup or two of these legumes.

    They’re so versatile, in fact, you can even use them to make desserts!

    Check out all the ways you can use them in this collection of savory vegan chickpea recipes!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 What are chickpeas?
    2 How to cook
    3 Storage and freezing
    4 Pro Tips
    5 Chickpeas FAQs
    6 More vegan recipe collections
    7 Savory Vegan Chickpea Recipes

    What are chickpeas?

    Chickpeas, often called Garbanzo Beans, are part of the legume family and are easily found in most mainstream grocery stores.

    Look for dried beans in the bulk aisle or in bags by the other dried beans and lentils. You’ll find them cooked in cans usually in the canned vegetable aisle by the other canned beans. And sometimes you can even find them steamed in packages in the produce aisle.

    You may find chickpeas in specialty aisles or ethnic grocery stores by any of these names as well: Bengal gram, Egyptian pea, chana, or cole.

    They are a pantry staple in our house as we eat a lot of vegan chickpea recipes! Grab my FREE printable grocery list to see what other plant based foods we like to keep on hand.

    What do they taste like?

    The flavor of these cooked legumes is slightly nutty and they are firm in texture. While they can be puréed until silky smooth, like in hummus, they hold their shape extremely well even when cooked for long periods of time. This makes them a perfect addition to dishes where a “meaty” bite is welcome.

    Nutritional highlights

    Like all legumes, garbanzos are high in protein and fiber. The chickpea also boasts significant amounts of iron, folate, potassium, calcium, and selenium.

    They may have the ability to aid in lowering cholesterol, promoting regularity, supporting cognitive health, decreasing some cancer risk, and supporting bone and heart health. [source]

    How to cook

    Canned chickpeas (and those packaged in the produce section) are pre-cooked and ready to eat. Perfectly convenient for all of these Vegan Chickpea Recipes. It is recommended to drain the can and rinse the beans under cold water very well to remove any excess sodium.

    Soaking

    For dried varieties, if you plant on cooking on the stove top, you’ll want to soak them first. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them by at least several inches with water. Let them soak for 8 to 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.

    If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak instead. Add the dried chickpeas to a large pot and again add water to cover the beans by at least a few inches, as the beans will nearly triple in size as they soak/cook. Bring to a rapid boil for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and them soak in the hot water for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.

    Soaking isn’t necessary for slow cooker or pressure cooker methods, but you may still want to as it is said to make them more easily digestible.

    Stovetop method

    Soak first, see above. Add your soaked, drained, and rinsed beans to a large pot and again cover them with water by several inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on the desired consistency. Drain when fully cooked.

    Slow cooker method

    For every pound of chickpeas (equivalent to the average grocery store bag of chickpeas) you’ll need 7 cups of water. Cook on high in a slow cooker for 4 hours or on low for 8 to 9 hours.

    Pressure cooker method

    While not necessary to soak with this method, it will significantly cut down on cooking time. Soaked beans can be added to the Instant Pot with 6 cups of water for every 1 pound of beans. Cook under high pressure for 15 to 20 minutes with a natural release of 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.

    For unsoaked beans, add them with the water in the same ratio and cook under high pressure for 40 to 45 minutes with a natural release of 10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.

    Storage and freezing

    Pantry: Keep dried beans in the pantry in an airtight container. I like using glass jars with hinged sealing tops.

    Fridge: Cooked chickpeas will keep in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

    Freezer: For longer storage, cooked beans can be frozen for 6 months to a year. I recommend storing them in 1 ½ cup portions (the amount in an average 15 ounce can) to easily be added to any of your vegan chickpea recipes in the future.

    Pro Tips

    ~ Canned garbanzo beans are pre-cooked and ready to be added to any of these vegan chickpea recipes. Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust and debris.

    ~ For dried legumes, look them over and pick through to discard any stones or pebbles.

    ~ Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust and debris.

    ~ Soak them to reduce cooking time and make them more digestible.

    ~ Use a big pot to cook them and add plenty of water to cover them by several inches as the beans will more than double in size.

    ~ Don’t add salt until the beans are tender, as it could prohibit them from cooking properly.

    ~ Dried beans take longer to cook as they age. If yours aren’t ready in the times listed above, just continue to cook a bit longer.

    ~ Save the cooking liquid (not the soaking water) to use in soups or stews later.

    ~ Store cooked garbanzos in the fridge or freezer in 1 to 2 cup portions to easily be added to recipes.

    Chickpeas FAQs

    Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing?

    Yes, they are the same. Whichever your package says, they can be used in these vegan chickpea recipes!

    Are chickpeas good for you?

    Yes! Chickpeas are low in fat and high in protein and fiber and also boast significant amounts of iron, folate, potassium, calcium, and selenium.

    Are chickpeas expensive?

    Nope! Dried and canned chickpeas are readily available in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets and are inexpensive.

    What can I do with leftover chickpea water?

    I love using chickpea water (a.k.a. aquafaba) as an egg replacer in baked goods. Try it one of these recipes: Peanut Butter Banana Bread, Peaches and Cream Donuts, or Chai Spiced Pumpkin Layer Cake.

    It also whips up like dreamy marshmallow fluff! Try it in this S’mores Pudding Bowl.

    More vegan recipe collections

    • Easy Vegan Recipes with Black Beans
    • The Best Vegan Lentil Recipes
    • The Best Vegan Pancake Recipes
    • Vegan Zucchini Recipes
    • Vegan Butternut Squash Recipes

    I hope you love these Vegan Chickpea Recipes as much as we do! If you tried any of them, please leave a comment below with your feedback.

    Be sure to sign up for my FREE Newsletter to be the first to get my NEW recipes! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.


    For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!

    Savory Vegan Chickpea Recipes

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks - if you've got a can of chickpeas, I've got you covered all day! Delicious vegan recipes all made with the humble chickpea!

    Breakfast

    Loaded Avocado Toast Recipe with Roasted Chickpeas & Pomegranates

    Photo Credit: vegetariangastronomy.com

    Mashed creamy avocado topped with fresh arugula, oven roasted sweet & salty chickpeas, and fresh pomegranates all loaded on your favorite toasted bread!

    Chickpea scramble & hash browns

    Photo Credit: cadryskitchen.com

    A nice change from the typical tofu scrambles. It's inexpensive, versatile, quick, easy, and delicious!

    Tandoori Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Photo Credit: rainbowplantlife.com

    Super flavorful, versatile, and easy to customize with the toppings your family loves best! Perfect for lunch or dinner, too.

    Salads

    Black Bean Taco Salad w/ Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Fast and easy, light and fresh, and bold and flavorful. It has lots of great texture to make your mouth happy.

    Cucumber Chickpea Salad w/ Tahini Dressing

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Cucumber Chickpea Salad  with Balsamic Tahini Dressing is a quick and easy addition to any meal. Especially great for BBQ, potluck or picnics where it’s going to sit out for awhile. The mingling of the flavors will only enhance this dish and since it’s dairy-free, there is no need to worry about it going bad.

    Middle Eastern Bean Salad (Balela)

    Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com

    Balela is a savory Middle Eastern Bean Salad made with chickpeas, black beans, and tomatoes. It’s easy to make and is naturally vegan and gluten-free!

    Oil-free Pesto Tomato Chickpea Salad

    Photo Credit: veganyackattack.com

    Seriously fresh flavors, light but filling, and very delicious.

    Deconstructed Falafel Salad

    Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com

    All the flavors of falafel in an easy to throw together salad.

    Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

    Photo Credit: www.fromachefskitchen.com

    This Italian-inspired salad makes a hearty vegetarian main course salad. 

    Avocado Chickpea Salad with Vegan Pesto 

    Photo Credit: avocadopesto.com

    The perfect lunch recipe that is ready in just minutes. Super simple with just 5 ingredients and packed full of flavor and protein. 

    BBQ Chickpea Salad

    Photo Credit: itdoesnttastelikechicken.com

    Easy, healthy, satisfying, scrumptious, and totally vegan.

    Sandwiches

    Vegan Chickpea Salad Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Quick and easy and makes the perfect lunch or snack. Load it up between 2 slices of bread, on a cracker, or over lettuce as a salad. It’s always a huge hit!

    Sloppy Pineapple Chickpea BBQ Sandwich

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Sweet and mildly spicy, hearty and delicious, this sloppy sandwich is husband and kid approved! It comes together quickly and easily. You’re gonna want seconds!

    Tahini Chickpea Salad

    Photo Credit: www.diannesvegankitchen.com

    This tahini chickpea salad is the perfect meal for warm days. I love to make it for lunch, but it would also make a great light dinner! It’s a great dish for picnics and potlucks, too.

    Chickpea and Vegetable Picnic Hand Pies 

    Photo Credit: www.tinnedtomatoes.com

    A hand held meal encased in the most flaky, golden puff pastry. These are a must for your next picnic, or even just for lunch.

    Vegan Tuna Salad

    Photo Credit: www.vegannie.com

    A healthier spin on a classic lunchtime food that is way lower in calories. And 100% plant-based. ​It’s also gluten-free, oil-free, and low-fat!

    Soups/Stews/Chilis

    Slow Cooker Red Lentil Stew with Chickpeas and Orzo

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Just as hearty as it’s name.  Luckily, you can throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker for a few hours and dinner is served!

    Chickpea White Chili 

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    A quick and easy vegan white bean chili perfect for any day of the week!

    Spiced Chickpea Stew

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Chunky, saucy, flavorful, and full of healthy plant based protein, this stew couldn’t be easier to make and it’s so darn yummy! Naturally vegan and gluten free. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete meal. The perfect warming weeknight dish.

    Chickpea Noodle Soup with Parsley and Lemon

    Photo Credit: www.occasionallyeggs.com

    Vegan chickpea noodle soup with bright accents of parsley and lemon to lighten up this otherwise wintery soup. With carrots, peas, and whole wheat noodles for a healthy vegetarian spin on the classic – and just as good to eat when you’re sick or in need of comfort food.

    Broccoli Soup & Garlic Chickpea Croutons

    Photo Credit: www.euphoricvegan.com

    Chickpeas are the perfect substitute for a crouton, they absorb any flavor you put on them, as well as being super crunchy and full of protein & fibre that will help to keep you fuller for longer!

    Chickpea Soup with Rosemary Oil

    Photo Credit: circusgardener.com

    Chickpeas are the base of this soup and the garnish. With lots of garlic and fresh rosemary, I can almost taste it already.

    Burgers/Patties

    Chickpea Veggie Burger

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    A hearty veggie burger full of flavor and texture. Put it on a bun and top it off with your favorite burger toppings or eat just the patty with a knife and fork and some BBQ sauce for dipping. You’re going to love this delicious meatless burger!

    Falafel Burger w/ Cucumber Peanut Relish

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Super easy and packed with flavor, this meatless burger is a creative dinner that can be on your table in under 30 minutes.

    Mozzarella Stuffed Vegan Chicken Burgers

    Photo Credit: www.spabettie.com

    These crispy burgers are stuffed with melty vegan mozzarella and topped with marinara and fresh basil.

    Smoky Barbecue Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers

    Photo Credit: thevegan8.com

    Chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and lots of barbecue sauce will have you drooling with these easy burgers.

    Crispy Chickpea Cutlets with Lemon Caper Sauce

    Photo Credit: www.living-vegan.com

    Similar to falafel, but in cutlet shape with a super crispy crust. Pair these cutlets with a baked potato and fresh steamed veggies for a “meat and potatoes” type plate.

    Crispy Baked Falafel with Hazelnuts and Creamy Lemon-Mint Sauce 

    Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks

    These crispy falafel are baked, not fried, making them low-fat and so delicious!

    Pasta

    Vegan Bolognese

    This hearty sauce is made from pantry staples and is delicious over a bowl of pasta or layered in lasagna.

    Artichoke pesto pasta with fried chickpeas

    Photo Credit: cadryskitchen.com

    This yummy pasta dish looks fancy, but it can be made in just 20 minutes! She also give options for the chickpeas – either in the oven or in the air fryer.

    Lemon One Pot Pasta

    Photo Credit: www.vnutritionandwellness.com

    One pot. 15 minutes. Pasta. What more could you ask for? A quick, easy, and delicious dish!

    Chickpeas in Spicy Smoked Tomato Sauce with Penne

    Photo Credit: www.veggiesdontbite.com

    This is a comforting pasta dish easy enough for a weeknight meal.

    Snacks

    Smoky Roasted Chickpeas 

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Simple, quick and affordable, this crunchy snack is as addictive as potato chips, but much healthier.

    No Bake Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Photo Credit: veganinthefreezer.com

    Mild sweet peppers filled with flavorful chunky chickpea stuffing. The perfect party appetizer or summer snack.

    Air Fryer Chickpeas with Ranch Seasoning

    Photo Credit: www.glueandglitter.com

    If you have an air fryer, these roasted chickpeas with ranch seasonings are for you! Becky uses aquafaba kind of like an egg wash to make them super crispy!

    Loaded Taco Fries with Lime Crema 

    Photo Credit: avirtualvegan.com

    This dish is basically a taco salad with fries instead of lettuce and who wouldn’t want to get on board with that?! And it’s oil-free so you can stuff your face guilt free!

    Spicy Roasted Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

    Photo Credit: www.veganosity.com

    A delicious appetizer, light lunch, or healthy snack, these Lettuce Wraps are crispy, crunchy, fresh, and spicy!

    Crispy Chimichurri Roasted Chickpeas

    Photo Credit: madebyluci.co.uk

    Because you can never have too many crispy snack ideas, I’m giving you one more for roasted chickpeas. I am loving the chimichurri spice mix on these!

    All the Rest

    Vegan Chickpea Tacos

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    The quickest tacos you’ll ever make. Pair these light, yet hearty, tacos with a creamy Avocado Green Chile Sauce.

    Buffalo Chickpea & Artichoke Vegan Taquitos Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    A delicious, creamy, spicy snack for game day, parties, or anytime. Easy to make them as spicy (or not) as you want them. They make a great lunch or dinner too!

    Rice Bowls with Roasted Veggies

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    An easily customizable veggies and grains bowl perfect for any night of the week.

    Italian Peppers and Chickpeas 

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    Lots of sweet bell peppers and meaty chickpeas mingling with tomatoes and Italian spices. Serve it over rice, farro, noodles, or next to a crusty hunk of bread. It’s a delicious and easy 30 minute meal!

    One Pot Garlic Butter Chickpeas

    Photo Credit: www.contentednesscooking.com

    Creamy, buttery, and full of garlic, this amazing dish is calling my name!

    Chickpea Nuggets

    Photo Credit: myplantbasedfamily.com

    Store bought vegan chicken nuggets are loaded with questionable ingredients, not to mention, they’re expensive. These little bites need just 5 ingredients! Set out some dipping sauces and call the kids to dinner!

    Chickpea Curry in 15 minutes

    Photo Credit: www.kindearth.net

    Curry in a hurry? Yup! This recipe brings all the flavor without the fuss.

    Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry with Potatoes

    Photo Credit: veganheaven.org

    Potatoes and rice – you can’t go wrong with double the carbs in this dish.

    Quinoa Bowl with Chilli Spiced Chickpeas, Wilted Kale, Pear, and Garlic Chipotle Mayo

    Photo Credit: thevietvegan.com

    With wilted kale, pear, and garlic chipotle mayo, this fancy meal sounds like something you’d get in a restaurant, but it can be made in under an hour.

    Chickpea Bowls with Spicy Peanut Sauce 

    Photo Credit: gratefulgrazer.com

    You’ll get all the flavors of your favorite Thai take-out in these bowls.

    Peanut-Ginger Curry Chickpeas over Fluffy Brown Rice

    Photo Credit: healthyhappylife.com

    Creamy, spicy and sweet - chickpeas, onions and cashews are combined with peanut butter, dates and ginger for a truly flavorful dish.

    CONTINUE READING

    Ethiopian Berbere Chickpea Pizza with Tahini Garlic Dressing

    Photo Credit: www.veganricha.com

    A flatbread type pizza, with a gluten free option, topped with Tahini Garlic Dressing.

    Moroccan-Spiced Vegan Stuffed Squash

    Photo Credit: thestingyvegan.com

    Roasted squash stuffed with couscous, chickpeas, and warming spices, and topped off with a delicious tahini-date sauce.

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    Comments

    1. Ginny McMeans says

      August 02, 2017 at 12:27 am

      Fabulously fantastic! Thanks for this great bunch chickpea recipes!!!

      Reply
    2. Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says

      July 28, 2017 at 5:06 pm

      What a great roundup Jenn! Thanks so much for including my recipe! sharing!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 29, 2017 at 12:03 am

        Thank you so much, Anjali!

        Reply
    3. Carol Borchardt says

      July 28, 2017 at 10:54 am

      I love this collection and thank you for including my cauliflower salad! I adore chickpeas and they really do have so many uses!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 29, 2017 at 12:03 am

        Thanks, Carol! LOVE your cauliflower salad!

        Reply
    4. Cadry says

      July 27, 2017 at 4:04 pm

      What a great idea to do a chickpea round-up! They are such a delicious, multi-purpose food. I could seriously eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thanks for including my pasta recipe!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 27, 2017 at 6:48 pm

        Yes, perfect for any meal! Thanks, Cadry!

        Reply
    5. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

      July 27, 2017 at 12:53 pm

      So many delicious recipes using one of my favorite ingredients! Thank you for including my Middle Eastern Bean Salad!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 27, 2017 at 1:27 pm

        Thanks, Amy! Chickpea have so many uses! Thanks for your delicious recipe!

        Reply
    6. Linda from Veganosity says

      July 24, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you for including our Spicy Roasted Chickpea Lettuce Wraps in your amazing roundup. Every recipe looks delicious! Sharing. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 24, 2017 at 10:26 pm

        Thanks, Linda!!

        Reply
    7. Ginny McMeans says

      July 24, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      What a fun post! I will be working my way through this great lis. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 24, 2017 at 10:26 pm

        Thanks, Ginny! Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Trinity Bourne says

      July 24, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      How exciting! The perfect line up for chickpea fans!!!
      I feel really honoured to see my 15 minute Curry up there too. Big thanks.

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 24, 2017 at 10:26 pm

        Thank you for your delicious recipe, Trinity!

        Reply
    9. Dianne says

      July 24, 2017 at 9:38 am

      This is such a yummy collection of recipes! Thank you for including one of mine!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 24, 2017 at 10:22 pm

        Thanks, Dianne!

        Reply
    10. Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says

      July 23, 2017 at 11:23 pm

      Thanks for including me Jen!! Chickpeas are a fave of mine and I love all these ways to use them!!

      Reply
      • Jenn S. says

        July 24, 2017 at 8:22 am

        You’re welcome! And thanks for your yummy pasta recipe! LOVE chickpeas!

        Reply

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    Jenn Sebestyen of Veggie Inspired

    Hi, I'm Jenn! This is where I share delicious plant based recipes for the whole family. I love to cook; I can read cookbooks like novels; and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen by making standard American favorites healthier.

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