Learn How to Cook Chickpeas in the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or stovetop without soaking overnight. The three methods below will turn dried garbanzo beans into either al dente or soft legume that can be used in soups, stews, or your favorite hummus recipe.
Want a few ideas for chickpea recipes you can try? You might also enjoy this Homemade Hummus, Chickpea Curry, Falafel Recipe, and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Cucumber.
How to Cook Chickpeas
Chickpeas, oh chickpeas!! Why have I not been cooking you from your dried counterpart my whole life?
Seriously, do you know how to cook these cute little legumes?
On the stovetop, in the Crock-Pot, or in the Instant Pot?
Like… not the canned kind you buy in the store.
The clear bag full of those tiny, dried garbanzo beans that initially look SO intimidating!
Dried versus Canned
The first time I ever tried chickpeas that were cooked at home was when my mother-in-law made her famous Homemade Hummus recipe. I had made hummus with the canned beans before, but this hummus was different.
The texture was fluffy and the flavor incredible.
Really? Could cooking chickpeas on the stovetop really make that big of a difference?
Not only were the ones made from scratch better for hummus making, but they also taste incredible on their own with a touch of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
What are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas, oftentimes referred to as garbanzo beans, are part of the legume family and commonly used as a culinary ingredient. While they have been in Indian and Middle Eastern cultures for over 7500 years, it is quickly gaining popularity in the American culture.
This legume is most often found in recipes such as chana masala, hummus, and falafel. It boasts numerous health benefits and nutrition, too. (See below for more about health benefits.)
Nutritional Information
In a 1-ounce serving of chickpeas you will find:
- 46 calories
- 8 grams carbs
- 2 grams of fiber
- 3 grams of protein (plant-based protein)
- Folate, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium
While they are moderately dense in calories, they do contain a good amount of fiber and protein that will help keep you stay full for a good length of time.
How to Cook Garbanzo Beans
There are three ways you can cook dried chickpeas: on the stovetop, in a Crock-Pot or slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
But before you begin cooking you will first want to make sure you sort, rinse, and drain them.
While most bags of dried chickpeas have been thoroughly sorted, you still want to make sure a dirt clod did not make its way into your bag.
Many instructions also recommend that you soak them overnight. However, the three recipes below do not require soaking, making them much quicker and easier methods.
3 Different Way
Stovetop Method
- In a large pot add chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ – 2 inches.
- Bring the pot to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for 1 ½ hours for al dente and 2 hours for soft.
Instant Pot Method
- Add garbanzo beans, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ – 2 inches in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes for al dente and 35-40 minutes for soft.
- Allow a 10 minute natural pressure release.
Crock-Pot Method
- Add chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1- 1 ½ inches in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Set slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours for al dente and 3 ½ – 4 hours for soft.
Are Garbanzo Beans Chickpeas?
Yes, garbanzo beans and chickpeas are the same legume. Both names are used interchangeably throughout the United States.
Do I have to Cook Canned Chickpeas?
No, canned chickpeas are already cooked so you do not need to cook them. However, cooking them will tenderize the beans and soften them up a bit when used in various recipes.
Do You Have to Soak Them?
No, it is not necessary to soak chickpeas overnight in order to cook them. Just make sure you cook them until fork tender using one of the various methods below.
Do You Have to Peel?
While some argue that peeling chickpeas will give you an incredible texture, it takes quite a bit more time for minimal reward. So no, you do not have to peel cooked garbanzo beans to use in recipes but you can if you would like a slightly better texture.
How to Freeze?
Once you have cooked the chickpeas by one of the methods mentioned, drain any excess liquid thoroughly and freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
Recipes to Try
While cooked chickpeas will taste delicious on their own with a sprinkle of salt and a touch of lemon or lime juice, there are a few recipes you might want to try out:
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Cucumber
How to Cook Chickpeas
Learn How to Cook Chickpeas in the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot, or stovetop without soaking. The three methods below will turn dried chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, into perfectly cooked al dente or soft chickpeas that can be used in soups, stews, or your favorite hummus recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dried chickpeas sorted, rinsed and drained
- 6-8 cups water
- 1 tsp. salt optional
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
-
In a large pot add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ - 2 inches.
-
Bring the pot to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer.
-
Simmer chickpeas for 1 ½ hours for al dente and 2 hours for soft.
-
Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Slow Cooker Method:
-
Add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1- 1 ½ inches in a 6-quart slow cooker.
-
Set slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours for al dente and 3 ½ - 4 hours for soft.
-
Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Instant Pot Method:
-
Add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ - 2 inches in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
-
Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes for al dente and 35-40 minutes for soft.
-
Allow a 10 minute natural pressure release.
-
Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Recipe Notes
- 1 pound dried chickpeas equals ~6 cups cooked chickpeas.
- 1 serving is equivalent to ½-cup cooked chickpeas.
Brendon says
This is a simple and delicious recipe. I love it. I am so happy I found this recipe. Its so nice to make something different. Thanks A lot!
London says
You’re so welcome, Brendon! And thank you for your comment and rating 🙂
Will says
I know how to cook these cute little legumes!
London says
Yay! So happy to hear that, Will. Thanks for your comment and rating!
Roses says
I love chickpea. Your recipe is great.Thanks you!
London says
Thanks so much!
Michael says
That’s good ideal. I look so delicious. I love Chickpeas. Thanks
London says
You’re so welcome. Hope you enjoy!
Alisha Thakur says
Wow! Thank you for the three different ways to do this dish…
London says
You are so welcome, Alisha! Thanks for the comment and rating 🙂
Anita Shaw says
Its a really nice post with great ideas.thanks for sharing your ideas…
London says
You’re very welcome! Hope you enjoy the recipe.
sheenam | thetwincookingproject says
LOVE chickpeas! Thanks for such an informative post 🙂
London says
You’re so very welcome! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Subhendu Kanp says
ohh woww they are looking cool , This is such a great idea.
London says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Suzy says
Wow! Thank you for the three different ways to do this. I will be making them in my crockpot this week!
London says
Yay!! I cannot wait to hear what you think, Suzy!!