Chickpea Recipes Vegetarian Easy and Delicious Meals

Chickpeas are a versatile, protein-packed legume that have become a beloved staple in vegetarian kitchens around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, chickpeas offer an easy and delicious solution.

From creamy hummus to hearty stews, chickpeas adapt beautifully to a variety of flavors and cooking styles. Their nutty taste and satisfying texture make them perfect for quick weeknight dinners, nutritious lunches, or even snacks.

Plus, they’re budget-friendly and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In this post, we’ll explore some simple and tasty chickpea recipes that anyone can whip up in no time, bringing wholesome goodness and vibrant flavors to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chickpea recipes are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy days or novice cooks. They’re naturally vegetarian and vegan, providing a hearty source of plant-based protein and fiber that keeps you full and energized.

These recipes are adaptable, allowing you to customize spices and add-ins based on your pantry staples or mood.

What’s more, chickpeas are not only nutritious but also super affordable, making them an excellent choice for healthy eating without breaking the bank. Whether you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, or spicy, chickpeas can do it all.

Get ready to add these simple, flavorful dishes to your recipe repertoire!

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing chickpeas)
• Serving bowl or plate

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas well. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
2. Heat the olive oil: Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
4. Add chickpeas and tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the chickpeas. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Pour in vegetable broth: Add the broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Season to taste: Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper, and adjust spices if needed. Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy finish.
7. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy texture, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon before simmering. You can also add coconut milk for a richer, slightly sweet flavor.”

• Try adding chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Swap out the canned tomatoes for fresh ones in season to enhance freshness.
• Use chickpea flour to make savory pancakes or fritters as an alternative dish.
• Add roasted red peppers or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle with chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chickpea dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. For extra protein and texture, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad.

It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or stuffed in baked sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal. Looking for more vegetarian inspiration?

Check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a delicious vegetable side, or try the Pecan Crackers Recipe as a crunchy snack to accompany your meal.

More Easy Chickpea Recipes to Try

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This vibrant curry combines tender chickpeas with fresh spinach and a blend of warming spices. It’s quick to make and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice to serve

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until soft.
2. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
3. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add spinach, cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over cooked rice for a filling meal.

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

A perfect snack recipe that’s crunchy, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite spices. Great for munching or topping salads.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and dried)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway.
4. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or salad topper.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A creamy, protein-packed sandwich filling that’s a fantastic alternative to tuna or chicken salad. Quick to throw together and highly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (drained and mashed)
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise or regular mayo
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread or wraps to serve

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas until chunky but combined.
2. Mix in mayonnaise, celery, herbs, and mustard.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread on bread or wraps and add your favorite sandwich veggies.

For more creative ideas in your vegetarian cooking, explore our Pesto Recipe Marcella Hazan for a fresh herb twist or try the Personalized Recipe Book Stand to keep your favorite recipes handy and organized in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Chickpeas are truly a powerhouse ingredient that make vegetarian cooking both simple and delicious. With their rich texture and ability to absorb bold flavors, they’re a fantastic base for a variety of meals—from quick snacks to hearty main dishes.

Whether you’re enjoying a warming chickpea curry, crunchy roasted chickpeas, or a creamy chickpea salad, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

By incorporating chickpeas into your weekly menu, you’re embracing a nutritious, budget-friendly ingredient that supports a healthy lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and add your favorite veggies to make these recipes uniquely yours.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Easy Vegetarian Chickpea Curry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful chickpea curry perfect for a healthy vegetarian meal. Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger”, “1 tablespoon curry powder”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes”, “2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1/2 cup coconut milk”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and saut\u00e9 until soft, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin; cook 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, and coconut milk; simmer 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}