Chickpeas from Scratch
Following these easy steps will get you started with all of your chickpeas meals.
Discover the art of cooking chickpeas from scratch with my concise guide. Master the basics for tender and flavorful legumes, unlocking a world of culinary possibilities. From creamy hummus to hearty salads, elevate your dishes with the heart and soul of freshly cooked chickpeas. Explore, cook, and enjoy homemade goodness in every bite.
Ingredients for 4 – 6 Servings
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400g dried chickpeas
Water for soaking
Water for cooking
Salt (optional)
Total Time
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Preparation Time10 min
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Cooking Time1 hour 45 min
Goes Great with
Method
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1. Soaking the Chickpeas:
- Rinse the dried chickpeas under cold running water to remove any dust or debris.
- Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to submerge them completely.
2. Overnight Soak (Recommended):
- Allow the chickpeas to soak in water overnight, ideally for about 8-12 hours. This helps rehydrate them and reduces cooking time.
3. Quick Soak Method (If Short on Time):
- If you don’t have time for an overnight soak, you can use the quick soak method.
- Place the chickpeas in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let them sit in the hot water for 1-2 hours.
4. Cooking the Chickpeas:
- After soaking (either overnight or using the quick soak method), drain and rinse the chickpeas again.
- Place the chickpeas in a large pot and cover them with about 2 inches of water.
- Optionally, you can add a pinch of salt to the water, but it’s not necessary.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chickpeas simmer.
- Cooking times can vary, but it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook dried chickpeas until they are tender. You may need to simmer them longer if they are not yet soft. Taste test to check for doneness.
5. Draining and Using:
- Once the chickpeas are tender, drain them using a colander.
- Your cooked chickpeas are now ready to be used in various recipes. You can add them to salads, soups, stews, or use them as a base for hummus.
Notes
Cooking dried chickpeas at home allows you to control their texture and flavor, and it’s more cost-effective than using canned chickpeas. Enjoy your freshly cooked chickpeas in your favorite dishes!
Calories:
Calories per serving: Approximately 280 calories