How to Cook Chickpeas
| 2 min read
Soaking Chickpeas
How to Cook Chickpeas on a Stovetop
Total Time:
2 to 9 hours depending on the method
Prep Time:
1 to 8 hours depending on the method
Cooking Difficulty:
Easy
Serving Amount
Ingredients
2 cups dried chickpeas
4 cups water
salt, if desired
optional, garlic or bay leaves
Instructions
Step 1
When you are ready to cook, drain the soaked beans, rinse under cold water and put them in a large pot. Use a 2:1 ratio of cups of water to cups of chickpeas and bring the pot to a boil. Add salt as desired based on personal preference and health needs. Optionally, you can add herbs and spices such as garlic or bay leaves for additional flavor.
Step 2
Once the pot is boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low. Let the pot simmer for about an hour. Cover chickpeas for softer, mushier chickpeas or leave them uncovered for firmer, stronger chickpeas. After an hour, use a fork to remove one chickpea, allow it to cool for a moment, and then try crushing it with your finger. If it smashes easily, it is done. If not, continue cooking, checking every 10 minutes or so. Some chickpeas, especially if they have been sitting on the shelf a while, may take up to two hours to cook.
Step 3
Drain the cooked chickpeas using a colander to remove all the cooking liquid. Serve as desired or save to use in a recipe. If you want, you can keep and use the drained liquid, also called aquafaba. Aquafaba is often used for vegan recipes as a substitute for egg whites.
