Chickpeas are a versatile, delicious and healthy type of legume. You can eat them on their own or add them to a salad, stew, or several other dishes. Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked and allow you to prepare numerous recipes quickly and easily. Read on and find out how to cook them using the stove, oven or microwave.
Ingrediants
- Canned chickpeas
- Seasoning for chickpeas
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Stoves
Step 1. Open the can of chickpeas and drain them in the sink
Pour them into a colander and shake it gently to remove most of the storage liquid, which has a thick, viscous consistency. Place the colander in the sink and let the chickpeas drain well.
- The storage water is saturated with sodium and starch.
- Place the can opener on the edge of the can and firmly close the handle. Turn the knob until you have cut the entire lid of the can along the inside edge.
- If you don't have a can opener, you can try opening the can using a kitchen utensil, such as a sharp knife.
Step 2. Rinse the chickpeas
Leave them in the colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove all the preservative liquid. You can speed up the process by moving the chickpeas with your hands inside the colander.
Increase the water pressure if you want to go even faster
Step 3. Pour the chickpeas into the pan
Distribute them in a single layer. If the pan you have chosen doesn't allow you to keep them from overlapping, use a larger one.
The chickpeas must be arranged in a single layer to be able to heat up evenly
Step 4. Cover the chickpeas with water
The amount of water needed depends on the amount of chickpeas, they must be completely submerged, but they must not float.
If you have chosen a pan that is too small to accommodate the amount of water needed to submerge the chickpeas, use a larger one
Step 5. Heat the chickpeas for 5 minutes over medium heat
Don't lose sight of the pan and promptly reduce the heat when the water starts to boil.
Step 6. Drain the chickpeas
Pour them into a colander and let them drain. If you want to use the same strainer that you previously drained them from the storage water, you must first rinse it thoroughly.
If you want to eat chickpeas in salads, dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel
Step 7. Serve the chickpeas or save them for later use
You can add them to a salad, eat them alone, use them to prepare a sauce or for many other recipes. If you don't intend to eat them right away, put them in a plastic bag or glass container and store them in the refrigerator.
You can store leftover chickpeas in the refrigerator for up to a week
Method 2 of 3: Using the Oven
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 185 ° C
As it warms up, start making chickpeas to speed up the whole process. If you have a latest generation oven, when it has reached the desired temperature, it will notify you with a sound notification.
Step 2. Dry the chickpeas after rinsing and draining them
Roll them inside a cloth or between two sheets of kitchen paper. Replace the paper when it is wet and no longer able to absorb any more water.
The chickpeas must be dried well, so that they can become crunchy in the oven. If they remain moist, they may become mushy
Step 3. Arrange the chickpeas in the pan
Spread them on the bottom of the pan with your hands. Make sure they don't overlap, otherwise they won't heat up evenly and they won't all become equally crunchy.
If you want, you can line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to clean
Step 4. Season the chickpeas with extra virgin olive oil
Pour it over the top trying to season them all evenly. Olive oil will improve its taste and texture.
You can replace the extra virgin olive oil with another oil of your choice, such as sesame or avocado
Step 5. Season the chickpeas with spices if desired
There is no right way to season chickpeas, you can use any spices of your choice, such as ground coriander and chilli. However, be careful not to overdo the doses because the chickpeas are already naturally tasty.
You can also add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder
Step 6. Place the chickpeas in the oven for an hour
Place the pan carefully in the oven, then set the cooking time on the kitchen timer so as not to risk forgetting the chickpeas in the oven.
- Check the chickpeas from time to time to make sure everything is going smoothly.
- If after an hour the chickpeas are still not crunchy, leave them in the oven for as long as necessary.
Step 7. Remove the chickpeas from the oven
Use oven mitts or pot holders to avoid burning yourself. Place the pan on a heat-resistant surface or trivet.
Don't forget to turn off the oven
Step 8. Let the chickpeas cool
When they have cooled, serve them alone or add to your favorite dishes. If they are left over, you can put them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to a week.
You can reheat leftover chickpeas in the oven or microwave
Method 3 of 3: Using the Microwave
Step 1. Season the chickpeas with extra virgin olive oil
Pour them into a large bowl that allows you to mix them easily. Stir them with your hands or a spoon until seasoned evenly.
You can replace the extra virgin olive oil with another oil of your choice, such as sesame or avocado
Step 2. Season the chickpeas with spices
If you wish, you can give them more flavor by sprinkling them for example with salt, pepper and paprika. If you prefer, you can use cinnamon or a ready-made spice blend.
Stir the chickpeas with your hands or a spoon to distribute the flavors
Step 3. Transfer the chickpeas to a microwave-safe dish
Distribute them in a single even layer. If you want, you can line the plate with parchment paper to make it easier to wash.
- If you don't have parchment paper, you can use paper towels. Use more than one sheet to avoid greasing the plate.
- Dishes that are not suitable for use in the microwave can melt or break.
Step 4. Heat the chickpeas for 3 minutes
Do not lose sight of them while the microwave is in operation. After 3 minutes, remove the dish from the oven.
Step 5. Stir the chickpeas by shaking the dish
Gently shake it to mix the chickpeas. If they risk falling off the plate, mix them using a spoon.
Stirring the chickpeas serves to redistribute the moisture and seasonings, as well as favoring a more homogeneous cooking
Step 6. Return the chickpeas to the oven for 3 minutes
Remember not to lose sight of them while the microwave is on. After 3 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and place it on a heat-resistant surface, such as a trivet.
The dish will be extremely hot, so it's best to use oven mitts or pot holders to avoid burning yourself
Step 7. Serve the chickpeas or save them for later use
It is best to wait a few hours before eating them as a snack because as they cool down they will become even more crunchy. If you wish, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
If you store chickpeas at room temperature, eat them within a couple of days
Advice
- Dry the chickpeas thoroughly if you intend to heat them in the microwave or make them crispy in the oven.
- Drain the chickpeas well from the water.
- You can try using chickpea storage water in your vegan recipes.
