Chickpeas are magical little legumes. They are one of the most versatile foods – they can be used in so many ways, and each time, they take on a completely different profile. We can use chickpeas to make appetizers, snacks, salads, burgers, soups, stews, entrees and desserts. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, chickpeas can be the star of delicious dishes everyone will love.
We know that chickpeas make incredible hummus like Low-fat Vegan Pizza Hummus, Rosemary with Roasted Garlic Hummus, and Potato Waffles with Hummus Sauce. But chickpeas can do so much more than hummus – take a look at Go Beyond Hummus! 28 Super Creative Chickpea Recipes (All Vegan!) and get recipes for dishes like Chickpea “Tuna” Salad, Chickpea Fries, Mini Chickpea-Quinoa Cakes, and Cilantro Avocado Chickpea Salad Tacos.
Got the munchies? Check out 10 Ways to Use Chickpeas to Make Flavorful, Zesty Snacks and Dishes! Want dishes that are exotic, flavorful and amazing? See 10 Ways to Cook Chickpeas with Global Flavors. Dried chickpeas can be processed into flour or you can buy a bag of garbanzo bean flour that will let you make batters, replace eggs and use anywhere you use other flours. Look at these 7 Ways to Use Chickpea Flour: From Breakfast to Dessert.
It may be hard to believe that one little round bean can do so much but wait, there’s even more. If you thought you knew all the things you could make with garbanzo beans, here are 10 recipes you might be surprised to learn were made with chickpeas.
1. Brownie Brittle With Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip
The only thing better than Chickpea Cookie Dough with chocolate chips is having yummy brownie brittle to scoop it up with. The brittle is like a chocolate cracker, a perfect edible transport system for the cookie dough you won’t believe is made with chickpeas.
2. Chickpea Flour Quiche
There’s no need for eggs when you make Chickpea Flour Quiche. These little gems are like a chickpea omelet in a portable, snackable form. Filled with veggies, these quiche are light and filling for the perfect lunch.
3. Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
These Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies will be your new go-to treat! They are moist and tender in the center with just a bit of a crackly crust on top. They are perfectly sweet, healthier than your average blondie recipe and, oh, so addictive!
4. Reinvent Brunch With This Scrambled Chickpea Flour
Brunch just got a makeover. Just like you can use chickpea flour for omelets and crepes, it also makes a great scramble – no tofu necessary. If you want or need a soy-free option, make this Chickpea Scramble with tomatoes, avocado and fresh chives.
5. Egg-Free Cookie Dough (It’s Okay to Lick the Bowl!)
We all know that cookies are delicious but sometimes the best part of baking cookies is eating the cookie dough itself. This Egg-Free Cookie Dough is sweet, creamy and surprise – made from chickpeas. It’s healthy so it’s not only okay to lick the bowl, you can eat the whole bowl if you want.
6. Spicy Cauliflower Chickpea Burger
This Spicy Cauliflower Chickpea Burger is a meatless burger that will leave you wondering why meat was ever an option. Smothered with Buffalo sauce, filled with veggies, and piled with amazing toppings, you’re going to need to open wide for this one.
7. Chickpea Flatbread
If you want a bread that’s vegan, gluten-free and easy to make, this Chickpea Flatbread is perfect for you. Made with just chickpea flour and water, this slightly dense and crunchy bread can be flavored with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.
8. Chickpea Omelets With Mushrooms, Greens and Vegan Swiss
There’s nothing like a diner-style omelet except this Chickpea Omelet made at home. It’s light, fluffy and egg-free. Filled with mushrooms, greens and vegan Swiss cheese, these are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
9. Roasted Vegetable Frittata
Chickpea flour batter works so fabulously to make this Roasted Vegetable Frittata that most people might not realize it’s egg-free. Filled with delicious roasted veggies, this frittata is as beautiful as it is yummy.
10. Vegan Meringue!
Ok, technically this Vegan Meringue isn’t made from chickpeas but it is made from canned chickpea brine and sugar. This creation, known all across the vegan food world as aquafaba, forms stiff peaks when whipped and can be used anywhere you would normally use meringue.
Whether you use the whole legume, the flour or the brine, chickpeas are one of the most versatile foods out there. What will you make with them?
Lead image source: Egg-Free Cookie Dough (It’s Okay to Lick the Bowl!)
