Chickpea Recipes Vegan UK: Delicious & Easy Meals

Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in vegan kitchens across the UK, celebrated not only for their versatility but also for their impressive nutritional profile. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, chickpeas offer a hearty, protein-packed base for a variety of delicious dishes.

From comforting curries to refreshing salads and crispy snacks, there’s a chickpea recipe for every occasion and taste preference.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best chickpea recipes vegan UK has to offer, designed to bring flavour, texture, and nutrition to your dining table. These recipes are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone aiming to maintain a wholesome, plant-based lifestyle.

Plus, we’ll share tips on how to get the most out of your chickpeas, including handy variations and serving ideas that will keep your meals exciting and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile, making them a dream ingredient for vegan cooking. They absorb spices beautifully, lend themselves well to multiple cooking methods, and provide a creamy texture when blended.

These recipes are designed with simple UK pantry staples in mind, ensuring you can whip up a nutritious meal without hassle.

Additionally, chickpeas are rich in protein, fibre, and essential minerals, supporting digestive health and sustained energy. By incorporating these recipes into your weekly meal plan, you can enjoy hearty, balanced dishes that satisfy both taste buds and nutritional needs.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, chickpea dishes offer crowd-pleasing appeal and adaptability.

Ingredients

• 1 can (400g) of chickpeas (or 200g dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 400g chopped tomatoes (canned)
• 150ml vegetable stock
• Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Cooked rice or flatbreads, to serve

Equipment

• Large frying pan or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Can opener (if using canned chickpeas and tomatoes)
• Measuring spoons
• Colander (for rinsing chickpeas)
• Bowl (for soaking dried chickpeas if using)

Instructions

1. Prepare your chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse, then cook in boiling water for about 1-1.5 hours until tender. If using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Heat the olive oil in your frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
4. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices and release their aroma.
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Add the chickpeas to the pan, stirring gently. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavours meld together.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh coriander or parsley if using.
9. Serve hot with cooked rice or warm flatbreads for a filling, nutritious meal.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of your spoon during cooking.

Try adding chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of greens.

To spice things up, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a diced fresh chilli with the garlic.

For a Mediterranean twist, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives before serving.

Want to make this a cold salad instead? Drain the chickpeas well and toss with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice for a refreshing summer dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chickpea stew pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft flatbreads such as naan or chapati. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of mixed greens or quinoa.

Adding a dollop of vegan yoghurt or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can elevate the dish further.

For a complete meal, consider pairing with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. If you’re interested in more hearty vegan recipes, check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a tasty vegetable side.

More Chickpea Recipes Vegan UK

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

A vibrant and warming dish perfect for chilly evenings. This curry combines chickpeas with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and a blend of warming spices.

Serve with rice or flatbreads for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 200g fresh spinach
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 150ml vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
2. Add garlic and curry powder, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, bringing to a simmer.
4. Add chickpeas and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with rice.

Crispy Chickpea Snack

Perfect for a healthy snack or salad topper, these crispy roasted chickpeas are quick to make and packed with flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Pat chickpeas dry with a kitchen towel.
3. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.
5. Let cool slightly before eating or sprinkling on salads.

Chickpea Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

A fresh and zesty salad that works well as a light lunch or side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• For the dressing:
• 2 tbsp tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Water to thin as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
2. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water to reach desired consistency.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

For another flavour-packed plant-based recipe, try the Pesto Recipe Marcella Hazan which complements salads beautifully.

Conclusion

Chickpeas are truly a vegan kitchen essential, offering endless possibilities for delicious, nutritious meals in the UK and beyond. From hearty stews and curries to crispy snacks and fresh salads, these recipes demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate this humble legume into your weekly meal plan.

Their affordability and health benefits make them a smart choice for anyone seeking to eat well without fuss.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or looking to expand your repertoire, these chickpea recipes provide a solid foundation for tasty, satisfying dishes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, herbs, and accompaniments to make each meal your own.

For more inspiring recipes, check out the Personalized Recipe Book Stand to keep your favourites organized and ready to cook!

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