Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be found in canned form for convenient cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to cook canned chickpeas is a valuable skill. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of turning canned chickpeas into delicious and flavorful dishes.
1. Drain and Rinse
The first step in preparing canned chickpeas is to drain and rinse them thoroughly. This helps remove any excess sodium or preservatives that may be present in the canning liquid. Place the chickpeas in a colander and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Season and Roast
Roasting canned chickpeas is a great way to enhance their flavor and create a crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the drained chickpeas on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. Toss the chickpeas to ensure they are evenly coated and spread them out in a single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crunchy.
3. Mash for Hummus
Canned chickpeas are the perfect base for making homemade hummus. Simply transfer the drained and rinsed chickpeas to a food processor or blender. Add garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water or more olive oil if needed. Serve with pita bread, veggies, or use as a spread for sandwiches.
4. Add to Soups and Stews
Adding canned chickpeas to soups and stews adds protein and texture to your dish. After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, you can simply toss them into your favorite soup or stew recipe. They will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and provide a satisfying bite. Try adding them to hearty vegetable soups, curry dishes, or even chili.
5. Create Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are a great base for creating a delicious and filling salad. After draining and rinsing the chickpeas, mix them with your choice of fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Add some diced red onions, feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Toss everything together and enjoy a refreshing and nutritious salad.
Now that you know how to cook canned chickpeas, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different seasonings and recipes to create your own signature dishes utilizing this versatile legume. Whether you’re roasting them for a crunchy snack, using them as a protein boost in soups, or making a creamy hummus, canned chickpeas are a pantry staple that can elevate any meal.
Share your thoughts and tips on how to cook canned chickpeas in the Cooking Techniques forum.
FAQ:
Can you eat canned chickpeas straight from the can without cooking them?
Yes, canned chickpeas are typically pre-cooked, making them safe to eat without further cooking. However, cooking them can improve their texture and flavor in certain recipes.
How can I cook canned chickpeas on the stovetop?
To cook canned chickpeas on the stovetop, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Then, place them in a pot and cover them with fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through. Remember to stir occasionally and season with salt or other desired spices.
Can I roast canned chickpeas in the oven?
Absolutely! Roasting canned chickpeas in the oven gives them a crispy texture and enhances their natural nutty flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain and rinse the chickpeas, pat them dry with a paper towel, and toss them in a bowl with olive oil and spices of your choice. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown.
How can I use cooked canned chickpeas in salads?
Cooked canned chickpeas can be a wonderful addition to salads, adding both protein and texture. Simply rinse and drain the chickpeas, then toss them into your salad mixture. You can also try lightly mashing them with a fork to create a creamy consistency and use it as a dressing for your salad.
Can I freeze cooked canned chickpeas?
Absolutely! Cooked canned chickpeas can be frozen for future use. After cooking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and use them in your desired recipe.
FAQs
Pour the chickpeas into a large pan so they're in a single layer, then fill the pan with enough water to just cover the chickpeas. Heat the chickpeas over medium heat for 5 minutes. Finally, drain the chickpeas in a strainer and transfer them to a bowl. You can also bake canned chickpeas in the oven.
How do you cook canned chickpeas? ›
Warm olive oil in a skillet that's large enough for the chickpeas to be in a single layer (at least 8-inches). Add the chickpeas, stir to coat them in the oil, and cook for a few minutes over medium heat. Stir in the spices and cook for a little while longer until the chickpeas are browned to your liking.
Do chickpeas from a can need to be cooked? ›
Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked chickpeas. You can eat canned chickpeas straight out of the can! (Just be sure to rinse them off before chowing down to wash out excess sodium) Otherwise, you can roast them or turn them into any number of delicious dishes, like these here.
Do you have to rinse canned chickpeas before cooking? ›
If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them with water to cut the sodium (salt) content by almost a half. Rinse well in cold water to make them easier to digest and less gas-producing.
Should you use the water from canned chickpeas? ›
The starchy liquid is a great binder directly from the can, but what really makes it magical is that it whips and creates a foam. Aquafaba is therefore able to trap air, giving items structure at the same time it delivers a fluffy crumb and lift.
Is it healthy to eat canned chickpeas? ›
Great news! Both canned and dried varieties of chickpeas are nutritious! When purchasing canned varieties, look for those labeled "no salt added" or "low in sodium." Overall, beans are budget-friendly, but dried can often be less expensive and also more flavorful than canned.
What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›
"Chickpeas are wonderful to add directly to your dish—like salad, pasta, or soup—for extra protein and fiber," Cannon told us.
How long do canned chickpeas take to cook? ›
To cook canned chickpeas on the stovetop, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Then, place them in a pot and cover them with fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through.
What is the difference between canned chickpeas and cooked chickpeas? ›
Before consumption, you have to soak them in water for a couple of hours, and then cook them for at least 45 minutes (to reduce cooking time, use an instant pot). You can then add them to different recipes and preparations. On the other hand, canned chickpeas are already pre-cooked and, most of the time, pre-seasoned.
Do canned chickpeas get soft when cooked? ›
Canned chickpeas are typically softer and can be easily mashed or blended, which results in a smoother and creamier hummus. In comparison, dried chickpeas can sometimes retain their firmness even after rehydrating and cooking, which makes it more challenging to get the right consistency.
How to Use Canned Chickpeas:
- Make a quick but better-than-store-bought hummus.
- Roast canned chickpeas.
- Pan fry chickpeas.
- Mash chickpeas for a sandwich.
- Mash 'em in a quesadilla.
- Make chana masala.
- Or another chickpea curry!
- Bulk up your soups or stews.
The next time you open a can of chickpeas, think before you drain it. It turns out, that leftover liquid is kind of magic. Known as aquafaba or chickpea water, it can be used as a vegan substitute in many recipes that call for eggs or egg whites.
What happens if you don't rinse chickpeas? ›
Indeed, unrinsed canned beans can be great from a culinary standpoint in dishes like this white bean soup, where the liquid adds a "starchy richness," as the recipe developer Sheela Prakash notes. Draining but not rinsing canned chickpeas can also make for very creamy homemade hummus.
What's the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas? ›
The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.)
Do you need to remove the skin from canned chickpeas? ›
You can eat chickpeas with the skin on, but they're better without. When making hummus, removing the skins will make your hummus much creamier and rich. When it comes to roasting chickpeas, I find removing the skins gives the chickpeas more flavor.
How to tell if aquafaba has gone bad? ›
Aquafaba will freeze well for about 3 months. You will need to defrost the Aquafaba overnight in the refrigerator before using. Always smell your Aquafaba before using it. It will smell like spoiled beans (not pleasant) if it is no longer good.
How long do I cook canned chickpeas? ›
Roast the chickpeas for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Ovens can vary, if your chickpeas are not crispy enough, keep going until they are!
Are chickpeas better in a can or dried? ›
Canned chickpeas are ready to eat at a moments notice. This makes them useful solutions for a quick meal. Dried chickpeas have the advantage of being very inexpensive, and giving the cook more control to choose their desired texture and to add their own seasonings. Both options can lead to amazing meals.
How to prepare canned chickpeas for baby? ›
Hi everyone I thought I'd share a really good and easy recipe for little ones. Can of chickpeas drained put in food processor or mash them up with potato masher. Add bit of lemon juice, (garlic powder optional) and mayonnaise. And mix.
Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing? ›
The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.
