Chickpea Recipes Vegetarian UK: Delicious Meat-Free Meals

Chickpeas are a superstar ingredient in vegetarian cooking across the UK, cherished for their versatility, nutrition, and hearty texture. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, chickpeas offer a fantastic base for a variety of delicious dishes.

From comforting curries and vibrant salads to crispy snacks and wholesome stews, these little legumes pack a punch of flavour and protein. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and widely available in most supermarkets, making them perfect for everyday cooking.

In this post, we dive into some of the best chickpea recipes vegetarian UK style, providing you with easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate this humble yet mighty ingredient. Whether you prefer Mediterranean-inspired dishes or classic British comfort food with a twist, these recipes will inspire your next meat-free meal.

Let’s get cooking with chickpeas!

Why You’ll Love These Chickpea Recipes

Chickpeas are not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals, they support a balanced diet and keep you feeling full for longer.

These recipes are designed to be simple, flavourful, and adaptable, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking.

You’ll love how these recipes combine fresh herbs, vibrant spices, and wholesome ingredients to create meals that are satisfying and nourishing. Plus, chickpeas are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Classic Chickpea Curry

• 2 cans (400g each) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 200ml coconut milk
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh coriander, for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Equipment

• Large saucepan or deep frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Colander for rinsing chickpeas

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics. Heat the vegetable oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add garlic and ginger. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Spice it up. Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional chilli flakes. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavour.
4. Add tomatoes and chickpeas. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and add the drained chickpeas. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer with coconut milk. Pour in the coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and reduce the heat to low. Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavours meld together.
6. Finish with lemon and coriander. Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle fresh coriander over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
7. Serve. Enjoy your chickpea curry with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For a smokier flavour, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

You can easily bulk up this recipe by tossing in chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a different texture, mash half of the chickpeas before adding them to the curry, creating a creamier consistency.

If you want a lighter version, substitute the coconut milk with a low-fat yogurt or oat cream. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends like garam masala or ras el hanout for an exciting twist.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Serving Suggestions

This chickpea curry pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the rich sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

For a complete UK-style vegetarian feast, add some roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens. You might also enjoy it with a dollop of cooling minted yogurt, especially on warmer days.

More Chickpea Recipes Vegetarian UK Style

Chickpea and Spinach Stew

• Ingredients: chickpeas, fresh spinach, onions, garlic, smoked paprika, diced tomatoes, vegetable stock, lemon juice.
• Method: Sauté onions and garlic, add spices, tomatoes, and stock, then simmer with chickpeas. Stir in spinach until wilted, finish with lemon juice.

Crispy Chickpea Salad Bowl

• Ingredients: roasted chickpeas, mixed salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese (optional), lemon-tahini dressing.
• Method: Roast chickpeas with paprika and olive oil until crispy. Assemble salad ingredients and drizzle with tangy dressing.

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Burgers

• Ingredients: mashed chickpeas, cooked sweet potato, breadcrumbs, spring onions, cumin, coriander, garlic powder.
• Method: Mix ingredients, form patties, and pan-fry or bake until golden. Serve in buns with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients for Chickpea and Sweet Potato Burgers

• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and mashed
• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

Equipment for Chickpea Burgers

• Baking tray or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Spatula

Instructions for Chickpea and Sweet Potato Burgers

1. Prepare sweet potato. Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and microwave or bake until soft. Allow to cool slightly, then mash.
2. Mash chickpeas. In a large bowl, mash the drained chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.
3. Mix all ingredients. Add mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, spring onions, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a sticky mixture.
4. Form patties. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
5. Cook burgers. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
6. Serve. Place in burger buns with your favourite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of mayo or hummus.

Tips & Variations for Chickpea Burgers

You can bake the patties in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier alternative.

Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or coriander for extra freshness. For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with ground oats or gluten-free crumbs.

Nutrition Facts for Chickpea Burgers (per patty)

Serving Suggestions for Chickpea Burgers

Enjoy these burgers with sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They are perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a quick midweek meal.

Explore More Recipes

For more inspiration with seasonal vegetables, check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe, a delightful veggie side dish. If you’re looking for something sweet to finish, try the creamy Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

And for a tangy twist, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe offers a spicy zing perfect for snacking or garnishing.

Conclusion

Chickpeas truly shine in vegetarian UK cooking, offering a wonderful combination of nutrition, flavour, and adaptability. Whether you’re whipping up a comforting curry, a fresh salad, or hearty burgers, chickpeas help create dishes that satisfy both the palate and the soul.

These recipes are designed to be approachable for all skill levels, encouraging you to get creative with your plant-based cooking.

With affordable ingredients and simple techniques, these chickpea recipes can become staples in your kitchen repertoire. So next time you’re wondering what to cook for a meat-free meal, remember that chickpeas are here to save the day with their rich texture and wholesome goodness.

Happy cooking!

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