How to Cook Chickpeas

5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great source of protein and fiber. Here are step-by-step instructions for preparing them in a variety of ways.

Prep Time8

Cook Time2

Total Time10

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: General

Servings: servings (about 6 cups)

Calories: 62kcal

Author: Cassie Johnston

Ingredients

1 pound chickpeas
Water
8 cups vegetable or chicken broth for stovetop or 4 cups water or stock for Instant Pot
1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
1 teaspoon baking soda optional (see notes)

Instructions

For Stovetop

Place chickpeas in a large stockpot and cover with at least two inches of water, and soak overnight. Or for a quick soak, cover chickpeas with two inches of water and bring the water to a boil. Boil hard for one minute, then remove from the heat, cover, and let soak for one hour.
Drain and rinse the beans, and return them to the pot. Add the stock and salt.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered until the beans are tender. This will take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the age of the beans. Start testing for doneness around the hour mark.
Taste for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary, then remove beans with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

For Instant Pot

Combine 1 pound of garbanzo beans and 1 teaspoon salt with 4 cups broth or water in the Instant Pot.
Seal and set to manual, high pressure for 45 minutes.
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes.
Release the pressure and stir the beans. Eat immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

If you'd like to remove the skins from the chickpeas for making hummus, replace the cooking stock with water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. This can make removing the peels a bit easier.

Nutrition