How To Cook Chickpeas Correctly
By Ashmal Shah
19 April 2023
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a delicious and nutritious staple of many diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and Mediterranean. Rich in protein and fiber, they are a great addition to any meal.
Cooking chickpeas properly is important for a number of reasons. Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, so it is important to cook them properly in order to get the most out of their nutritional benefits. Chickpeas also have a tendency to become chewy and hard when not cooked properly, making them unpleasant to eat. Cooking them properly will ensure that they are soft and flavorful, making them a much more enjoyable and nutritious part of your meal.
Instructions
Knowing how to cook chickpeas correctly is key to getting the full flavor and texture in your recipes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
Before cooking, it's important to soak the chickpeas overnight in a bowl of cold water. This helps to soften the beans and make them more digestible. The water should cover the beans by at least two inches.
Step 2: Drain the Water
The next morning, drain the soaking water and rinse the beans with fresh water. This removes any impurities that may have been in the soaking water.
Step 3: Add New Water
Add fresh water to the pot, covering the beans by about two inches.
Step 4: Boil the Chickpeas
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for about an hour or until they are soft.
Step 5: Add Flavoring
Once the beans are soft, add any desired flavorings, such as salt, garlic, onion, or herbs.
Step 6: Simmer the Chickpeas
Simmer the beans for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once the beans are finished cooking, drain any remaining liquid and serve.
Finishing!
Cooking chickpeas correctly is easy and makes for a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and make them more digestible while boiling and simmering help to extract the fullest flavor. Adding flavorings such as salt, garlic, onion, or herbs helps to take the flavor up a notch. Once cooked, the beans are ready to be used in a variety of dishes. From salads and soups to curries and stews, chickpeas are a delicious and versatile ingredient. With a little know-how, you’ll be able to cook chickpeas perfectly every time.
5 Chickpeas recipes I recommend:
1. Roasted Garlic and Herb Chickpeas:
Toss cooked chickpeas with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices, then roast until they’re golden and crispy.
2. Curried Chickpea Salad:
Mix cooked chickpeas with diced vegetables, raisins, and a creamy curried dressing.
3. Chickpea Fritters:
Mash cooked chickpeas, then mix in eggs, garlic, herbs, and spices. Form into patties and fry until golden brown.
4. Chickpea Stew:
Simmer-cooked chickpeas in a flavorful broth with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad:
Toss-cooked chickpeas with diced tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a red wine vinaigrette.
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