Chickpeas are a nutritious complement to dishes available all year round. Before cooking chickpeas, wash them first with clean water and remove the ends of the stems with a knife or break them off. Read on for information on the basic method of cooking chickpeas and two popular chickpea recipes.
Ingredients
Three Basic Ways to Cook Chickpeas
- Beans, wash and remove the stem ends
- Water
- Salt and pepper
Bean Salad
- 250 gr cooked chickpeas
- 1 tomato, cut into small pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into small pieces
- 240 g feta cheese, crushed
- 2 tbsp (30 g) red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 g) olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Fresh Chickpeas Casserole
- 625 gr cooked chickpeas
- 110 gr seasoned bread flour
- 100 gr grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter (28 g), melted
- 1 clove of onion cut into small pieces
- 150 gr mushrooms, cut into pieces
- 375 gr chicken stock
- 2 tbsp (16 g) cornstarch
- 225 gr sour cream
- 1/4 (1 g) tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 (1.5 g) tsp pepper
- 1/2 (2.5 g) tsp salt
Step
Method 1 of 4: Three Basic Ways to Cook Chickpeas
Step 1. Boil the chickpeas
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the chickpeas.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then add the beans that have been washed and stem ends removed.
- When the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the chickpeas sit for 4 minutes or until they are soft but still crunchy.
- Drain the chickpeas, season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Step 2. Steam the chickpeas
Steaming chickpeas is the best way to maximize their nutritional value.
- Fill the pot with 2.5 cm of water and place the steamer in the pot.
- Cover the pot with a tight lid and bring the water to a boil in the pot. When it boils, open the lid and place the washed and de-stemmed chickpeas in the steamer.
- Reduce the stove heat to medium heat and cover the pot.
- Cook for 2 minutes and check the doneness of the chickpeas. The chickpeas should be soft but still crunchy.
- Add salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Step 3. Microwave the chickpeas
- Place the fresh, washed and de-stemmed chickpeas in a bowl or microwave-safe container.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water, then cover the container with plastic. The plastic should not touch the beans.
- Set the microwave on high for 3 minutes, then carefully remove the plastic cover to allow the steam to escape.
- Check chickpeas for doneness, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Method 2 of 4: Chickpea Salad
Step 1. Cook 250g of chickpeas according to one of the basic methods above
Let the chickpeas cool, then cut them in half.
Step 2. Place the chickpeas in a medium bowl
Add the tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese. Stir all ingredients with food tongs.
Step 3. Mix olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl
Mix well.
Step 4. Pour this liquid into a bowl filled with chickpeas
Stir until the chickpeas are coated in liquid.
Step 5. Add salt and pepper to taste
Serve cold.
Method 3 of 4: Chickpea Casserole
Step 1. Cook 625g of chickpeas according to one of the basic methods above
Cut the chickpeas in half.
Step 2. Preheat the oven to 176°C
Grease the casserole dish with butter or olive oil.
Step 3. Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl
Step 4. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat
Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent, about three minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Saute chickpeas with mushrooms and onions.
Step 5. Pour the chicken stock into a small saucepan
Bring to a boil on the stove over high heat.
Step 6. Mix cornstarch with 60 ml of water
Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved, then add to the simmering chicken stock. Add the garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir. Stir until the broth thickens.
Step 7. Pour the thick broth over the chickpeas, onions, and mushrooms
Stir everything together with sour cream.
Step 8. Pour all these ingredients into a casserole dish
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top evenly. Put the dish in the oven.
Step 9. Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown
Method 4 of 4: Sweet Chickpeas
Step 1. Boil desired amount of chickpeas in boiling water for 15 minutes
Step 2. Discard the cooking water
Transfer the chickpeas to a bowl.
Step 3. Sprinkle with a little sugar or pour a little sugar water
Step 4. Serve
A touch of sugar will make the beans sweet and delicious.
