I am writing this post for you and me and for all of us standing in front of the pantry with no idea what to cook for dinner. You grab a can of chickpeas, and you hope for the best.
And maybe there is a bit of praying that a suitable dish comes out for dinner. Do you have moments like this? I do, and a lot. I usually lose track of time while working, or there are some days I have ZERO inspiration to cook. So, these days, chickpeas are lifesavers.
How to buy the best can of chickpeas?
When buying canned chickpeas, look for the cleanest can of beans you can find. Read the labels; the list of ingredients should be CHICKPEAS, nothing else.
And it is even better if you know the place of origin and if they are organic and GMO-free.
There is NO question for me between home-cooked chickpeas and store-bought chickpeas. I will always choose homecooked, but for the days I don’t know what to feed my family, the canned ones are my choice. I have also bought cooked chickpeas in pouches, and they are really good.
tips, tricks & other recipes
Drain the can of legumes over a strainer with a bowl underneath. This way, you can save the aquafaba (liquid from which the chickpeas come in). With aquafaba, you can make vegan mayo, granola clusters, and lime-coconut macarons.
After you drain them, rinse them pretty well. After that, the chickpeas will be ready to use. If you have leftovers, store them in glass containers in the fridge. Don’t forget to recycle the can or, better yet, reuse it.
Frequently asked questions
Are canned chickpeas cooked? Canned chickpeas are already cooked and can be used in salads, stews, or hummus. Rinse them first to remove excess salt or preservatives.
Are canned chickpeas healthy? Canned chickpeas are healthy and rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Rinse them before use, or choose no-salt-added versions to avoid added sodium.
Do I need to rinse canned chickpeas? Before using canned chickpeas, it is recommended to rinse them to remove added salt and reduce gas-causing compounds, making them easier to digest.
Can I eat canned chickpeas raw? Canned chickpeas are cooked and ready to eat straight from the can.
How long do canned chickpeas last after opening? Once opened, canned chickpeas should be transferred to a non-metal, airtight container and refrigerated. They should be consumed within three to four days.
What can I make with canned chickpeas? Canned chickpeas are versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, curries, and dips like hummus. They can also be roasted for a crunchy snack.
Is the liquid in canned chickpeas (aquafaba) useful? Yes, the liquid in canned chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can be used as a vegan substitute for egg whites in many recipes, including meringues and mayonnaise.
What’s the nutritional content of canned chickpeas? Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. They also contain important nutrients like iron, folate, phosphorus, and manganese. However, the exact nutritional content can vary by brand, so it’s always a good idea to check the label.
8 EAsy chickpea recipes (canned chickpeas)
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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