Chickpeas, those humble little beans, have been pigeonholed for far too long. Sure, hummus is fantastic (and I could probably eat my weight in it), but there’s so much more these versatile legumes can do! If you’ve been limiting your chickpea use to just that one creamy dip, you’re in for a treat.
We’ve rounded up 13 exciting ways to let chickpeas shine in your kitchen, from flavorful soups to tempting snacks. So, let’s set aside that tub of hummus for a moment and dive into some chickpea goodness you might not have tried yet!
Chocolate Chip Blondies
These chickpea blondies studded with chocolate chips are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and offer a healthier take on the traditional recipe. Their fudgy texture is a delight, especially knowing it’s an “alternative” treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Reinventing the pesto sandwich with smashed chickpeas, this dish offers a delightful filling for a simple, vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Dive into a blend of chickpeas and tomatoes wrapped in a creamy base. This soup offers a robust, comforting experience suitable for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Greek Chickpea Soup
A 30-minute wonder, this soup combines chickpeas, rice, aromatic leeks, garlic, lemon, and dill in a comforting broth. A perfect meal for when you need some warmth and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup
Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
A snack reminiscent of the beloved cereal. Made with maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon, these roasted chickpeas are both delicious and healthier.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas
Kung Pao Chickpeas
Give the traditional Chinese Kung Pao dish a vegan makeover with this chickpea variant. The sauce brilliantly mirrors bold flavors, making the taste profile a near replica of the original, but with a chickpea twist.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas
BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a savory snack alternative? These roasted BBQ chickpeas offer a crunchy, flavorful choice over traditional chips.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
A lively twist on burger night! These spicy bacon chickpea burgers seamlessly blend the familiar with the unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Packed with nutrients, this salmon salad mixes fresh dill, lemon, dijon mustard, salty capers, and smoky roasted chickpeas. Serve on toasted bread or enjoy as lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
An easy one-skillet meal, this creamy turmeric chicken incorporates hearty chickpeas. Paired with rice and a cilantro garnish, you’ve got a delightful dinner in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turmeric Chicken with Chickpeas
Samosa Chaat
A flavor explosion, the Samosa Chaat combines savory chickpeas with crispy samosa. Garnished with an assortment of chutneys and crunchy toppings, it’s a treat to the palate.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Perfect for summer cookouts, this Mediterranean carrot salad combines chickpeas, royal raisins, feta, and parsley. All tossed in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Baby Kale Salad
A refreshing baby kale salad recipe that’s quick to prepare. Featuring roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices, and coated in a tahini dressing, it’s a wholesome, plant-based meal option.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad