By Evelisse Capó, PharmD, DipACLM

March 23, 2022

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are very versatile. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a puffy texture that pairs well with many other foods and ingredients—you can use them to prepare anything from burgers to cookies! It’s no wonder they’re a staple in many cuisines of the world. Plus, they’re nutritional powerhouses, packed with fiber and protein. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and help you feel full and satisfied, and protein from clean, plant-based foods is critical for growth and repair. Chickpeas are also a great source of nourishment for the bacteria that we need for a healthy gut. So what are you waiting for? Give this tasty legume a place at the center of your plate. You won’t regret it!

Plant-Based Chickpea Recipe Ideas

Here are 15 of our most popular chickpea recipes. They’re packed with delicious flavors and spices from around the world, including places like India, Morocco, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

Baked Falafel

The fresh herbs in this baked falafel add a bright flavor and an ever-so-slight bitterness that goes really well with the warmer, slightly sweet cumin. Enjoy with your favorite whole wheat pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

Spinach and Garbanzo Bean Soup

Spinach is nutrient-dense and brings a freshness to this dish along with the lime. Smoked paprika gives this dish a rich, smoky flavor that adds an air of mystery and depth.

Oil-Free Curry Hummus

This curry-infused twist on the classic hummus is sure to awaken your taste buds. It takes slightly longer to prepare than to open a store-bought variety, but it’s totally worth it for this tastier, oil-free version!!

Lemon Herbed Chickpeas

These chickpeas are delicious to nibble on or to use as a topping for salads, pasta, soups, pizza, grains, and more! Leftovers can be lightly mashed or pureed with condiments for a sandwich spread.

Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies

Your friends won’t believe these cookies are made with chickpeas! They have a wonderful texture that’s slightly richer than some other chocolate chip cookies.

Chickpea & Vegetable Soup With Crunchy Peanut Butter & Walnut Croutons

This hearty, colorful soup is perfect as a side dish to a meal or as the main course. Herb-toasted walnuts and a touch of crunchy peanut butter create a soup bursting with flavor.

Sweet Peanut Burgers

This quick, easy recipe is loaded with sweet and spicy Thai flavors. The combination of sweet potatoes and peanut butter gives these burgers a beautiful texture and taste.

Comforting Chickpea Noodle Soup

This plant-based version of chicken noodle soup is soothing, nourishing, and ready in 30 minutes. Enjoy this yummy comfort food when you are not feeling well, or when you want to warm up on a cold day.

Perfect Chickpea Salad

This chickpea salad is crunchy, creamy, and colorful, and it makes the perfect sandwich spread! It’s so good, I can just eat it with a spoon.

Chana Masala

This is one of the iconic dishes of Indian cuisine, and for good reason! The fragrant blend of spices—cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder—give it a bold, complex flavor that I could enjoy all day long.

Lebanese Bean Salad

Flavorful and healthy, this oil-free Lebanese bean salad is a burst of delicious plant-based ingredients that comes together in no time.

Vegan “Crab” Cakes

Did somebody say vegan crab cakes? These plant-based patties are loaded with the flavor and texture of traditional crab cakes but are prepared with wholesome ingredients.

Savory Chickpea Omelets

The addition of ground chia seeds in the batter really helps give an “eggy” consistency to this omelet. If you can find black salt, it will also lend an egg-like aroma and flavor.

Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Stew

This stew has a bold, warm flavor thanks to the blend of Moroccan-style spices. Serve it with a grain or bread on a cold evening.

Three Bean Salad With Roasted Potatoes

With a variety of beans; bright, crisp, fresh vegetables; and hearty roasted potatoes, this filling salad will be a hit at your next picnic, barbecue, or potluck.

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