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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!
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!
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 and tricks
~ 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
Yes, they are the same. Whichever your package says, they can be used in these vegan chickpea recipes!
Yes! Chickpeas are low in fat and high in protein and fiber and also boast significant amounts of iron, folate, potassium, calcium, and selenium.
Nope! Dried and canned chickpeas are readily available in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets and are inexpensive.
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.
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
Vegan Chickpea Scramble
This easy Vegan Chickpea Scramble is a quick, flavorful, and delicious option when you’re craving a savory breakfast. It boasts plenty of plant-based protein, fiber and nutrients to get your day started. You need just one skillet, a handful of ingredients, and 15 minutes. Gluten-free and soy free.
Loaded Avocado Toast Recipe with Roasted Chickpeas & Pomegranates
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
A nice change from the typical tofu scrambles. It's inexpensive, versatile, quick, easy, and delicious!
Tandoori Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Super flavorful, versatile, and easy to customize with the toppings your family loves best! Perfect for lunch or dinner, too.
Salads
Healthy Taco Salad w/ Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Fast and easy, light and fresh, and bold and flavorful. It has lots of great texture to make your mouth happy.
Cucumber Chickpea Salad
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)
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
Seriously fresh flavors, light but filling, and very delicious.
Deconstructed Falafel Salad
All the flavors of falafel in an easy to throw together salad.
Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
This Italian-inspired salad makes a hearty vegetarian main course salad.
Avocado Chickpea Salad with Vegan Pesto
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
Easy, healthy, satisfying, scrumptious, and totally vegan.
Sandwiches
Vegan Chickpea Salad
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!
BBQ Chickpeas Sandwich
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
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
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
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
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
A quick and easy vegan white bean chili perfect for any day of the week!
Spiced Chickpea Stew
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 Tikka Masala
This Chickpea Tikka Masala is a vegan version of an Indian-inspired curry dish. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and so comforting. Gluten-free, oil-free, and ready in just 30 minutes!
Chickpea Noodle Soup with Parsley and Lemon
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
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
Chickpeas are the base of this soup and the garnish. With lots of garlic and fresh rosemary, I can almost taste it already.
Burgers and patties
Chickpea Veggie Burger
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
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
These crispy burgers are stuffed with melty vegan mozzarella and topped with marinara and fresh basil.
Smoky Barbecue Sweet Potato Chickpea Burgers
Chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and lots of barbecue sauce will have you drooling with these easy burgers.
Crispy Chickpea Cutlets with Lemon Caper Sauce
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
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
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
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
This is a comforting pasta dish easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Snacks
Garlic Herb Seasoned Roasted Chickpeas
These crispy chickpeas bring big flavor with garlic and herbs and they're perfect for snacking or adding to to salads, bowls, soups, and more!
Smoky Roasted Chickpeas
Simple, quick and affordable, this crunchy snack is as addictive as potato chips, but much healthier.
No Bake Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mild sweet peppers filled with flavorful chunky chickpea stuffing. The perfect party appetizer or summer snack.
Air Fryer Chickpeas with Ranch Seasoning
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
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
A delicious appetizer, light lunch, or healthy snack, these Lettuce Wraps are crispy, crunchy, fresh, and spicy!
Crispy Chimichurri Roasted Chickpeas
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
The quickest tacos you’ll ever make. Pair these light, yet hearty, tacos with a creamy Avocado Green Chile Sauce.
Buffalo Chickpea Vegan Taquitos Recipe
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!
Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls
An easily customizable veggies and grains bowl perfect for any night of the week.
Italian Peppers and Chickpeas
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
Creamy, buttery, and full of garlic, this amazing dish is calling my name!
Chickpea Nuggets
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
Curry in a hurry? Yup! This recipe brings all the flavor without the fuss.
Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry with Potatoes
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
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
You’ll get all the flavors of your favorite Thai take-out in these bowls.
Peanut-Ginger Curry Chickpeas over Fluffy Brown Rice
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
A flatbread type pizza, with a gluten free option, topped with Tahini Garlic Dressing.
Moroccan-Spiced Vegan Stuffed Squash
Roasted squash stuffed with couscous, chickpeas, and warming spices, and topped off with a delicious tahini-date sauce.
Ginny McMeans says
Fabulously fantastic! Thanks for this great bunch chickpea recipes!!!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
What a great roundup Jenn! Thanks so much for including my recipe! sharing!
Jenn S. says
Thank you so much, Anjali!
Carol Borchardt says
I love this collection and thank you for including my cauliflower salad! I adore chickpeas and they really do have so many uses!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Carol! LOVE your cauliflower salad!
Cadry says
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!
Jenn S. says
Yes, perfect for any meal! Thanks, Cadry!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
So many delicious recipes using one of my favorite ingredients! Thank you for including my Middle Eastern Bean Salad!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Amy! Chickpea have so many uses! Thanks for your delicious recipe!
Linda from Veganosity says
Thank you for including our Spicy Roasted Chickpea Lettuce Wraps in your amazing roundup. Every recipe looks delicious! Sharing. 🙂
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Linda!!
Ginny McMeans says
What a fun post! I will be working my way through this great lis. Thanks so much!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Ginny! Enjoy!
Trinity Bourne says
How exciting! The perfect line up for chickpea fans!!!
I feel really honoured to see my 15 minute Curry up there too. Big thanks.
Jenn S. says
Thank you for your delicious recipe, Trinity!
Dianne says
This is such a yummy collection of recipes! Thank you for including one of mine!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Dianne!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
Thanks for including me Jen!! Chickpeas are a fave of mine and I love all these ways to use them!!
Jenn S. says
You’re welcome! And thanks for your yummy pasta recipe! LOVE chickpeas!