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How to Cook Chickpeas

Learn how to cook chickpeas from dried or canned, soak them properly, get tender texture, avoid common mistakes, troubleshoot issues, and read FAQs.

Food & CookingEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To cook dried chickpeas, sort and rinse them, soak overnight if possible, simmer in fresh water until tender, then season. Canned chickpeas only need rinsing and heating.

Ingredients and Tools

  • Dried or canned chickpeas
  • Large bowl if soaking
  • Pot
  • Water
  • Colander
  • Salt
  • Aromatics or spices if desired

Safety Precautions

  • Sort dried chickpeas for small stones or debris.
  • Use fresh water after soaking.
  • Cook until fully tender.
  • Refrigerate cooked chickpeas promptly.
  • Do not use bulging or leaking cans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Sort and rinse

    Check dried chickpeas and rinse under cool water.

  2. Step 2

    Soak if using dried

    Soak overnight in plenty of water for more even cooking.

  3. Step 3

    Drain and add fresh water

    Move chickpeas to a pot and cover with fresh water.

  4. Step 4

    Simmer gently

    Cook until the chickpeas are tender all the way through.

  5. Step 5

    Season near the end

    Add salt once chickpeas have softened.

  6. Step 6

    Drain or store in liquid

    Drain for salads or store in cooking liquid for better texture.

  7. Step 7

    Use or refrigerate

    Use in meals or chill leftovers quickly.

Practical Example

Example: You soak dried chickpeas overnight, simmer them until tender, salt near the end, then use them for hummus or salads.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping sorting
  • Using too small a pot
  • Not soaking older chickpeas
  • Adding too much salt or acid too early
  • Undercooking
  • Leaving cooked chickpeas out too long

Troubleshooting

Chickpeas stay hard

Keep simmering; older chickpeas can take much longer.

Chickpeas split

Use a gentler simmer next time.

Texture is chalky

Cook longer until creamy inside.

Canned chickpeas taste dull

Rinse and simmer briefly with spices or aromatics.

FAQs

Do chickpeas need soaking?

No, but soaking helps them cook faster and more evenly.

How long do dried chickpeas take?

Often 1 to 2 hours after soaking, longer if unsoaked or old.

Can I cook canned chickpeas?

Yes, they are already cooked; heat them with seasoning if desired.

When should I salt chickpeas?

Add salt after they begin to soften or near the end.

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