Knowing how to cook dried chickpeas is such a great skill in the kitchen, and one that’s easy to learn. Follow my step by step instructions in this ultimate guide for a variety of methods to cook chickpeas from dry.

I tend to feel guilty every time I open a can of chickpeas. That’s because I know that starting with dried chickpeas is more economical and no doubt healthier, and it’s what my Sitto always did. She never, ever used canned. I never, ever used dried. That is, until I got the hang of cooking beans in culinary school. It’s easy! And the same method I learned applies to any dried legume, so this is a handy thing to know for dried beans of every kind, including black beans, red beans, etc.

The canned variety of chickpeas contain a firmer bean, whereas you can control the texture of chickpeas cooked from dry, for much more tender chickpeas. Once you learn how to cook dried chickpeas, a big batch of chickpeas will be a staple ingredient you have at the ready for all kinds of recipes (such as homemade hummus, or the incredibly delicious filling for potato kibbeh). 

All about Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of pulse which are the dry, edible seed of green plants in the legume family. Chickpeas have a buttery, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Like other legumes they are rich in dietary fiber and protein and contain several key vitamins and minerals. 

Because they are so nutritious and have numerous health benefits, some people consider them a superfood. Chickpeas are great for vegetarians and vegans because they are a plant-based complete protein which contain essential amino acids. Chickpeas are a key ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and are the essential ingredient in homemade hummus. They can be used in a variety of recipes or simply tossed over a salad or cottage cheese. 

What are the health benefits of chickpeas? Because chickpeas are so nutritious, they provide numerous health benefits: They can promote weight management: They help you feel full since they are so high in fiber. They contain soluble fiber which can help reduce total cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease. They are low on the glycemic index. And chickpeas contain calcium, magnesium, fiber, and other nutrients. Soaking them helps get rid of naturally occurring phytates, which can limit absorption of the calcium in chickpeas. 

Chickpea quantities from dried to cooked

One pound of dried beans will yield 7 cups of cooked chickpeas, or 3 lb. 4 oz.

One cup of dried beans will yield about 2 cups cooked, so about double from dried to cooked.

How to soak chickpeas

Do you have to soak chickpeas before cooking? No, you don’t have to soak your chickpeas before cooking . . . but the soaking method makes the beans cook much faster.  It can take up to twice the time if you don’t soak them first. Also, soaking may help remove some of the phytic acid found in dry beans, making them easier to digest. Soaked beans also tend to plump up without splitting as they cook. As a result, soaked beans simply look more appealing! 

Soak the chickpeas one of two ways.

Long soak: In a large bowl, cover the chickpeas by 4 or more inches with plenty of water, cold salted water (3-4 tablespoons) is best, and let them soak overnight or for 12 hours. Then pour off the soaking liquid. Don’t be tempted to use this liquid as your cooking liquid—fresh water is a must. Consider the soaking liquid “saturated” and not good to use as the cooking water for cooking chickpeas.

Quick-soak method: You can use a “quick soak” method if you don’t have time to soak your beans ahead of time. This will shorten the overall cooking time.

• Pour the dry chickpeas into a saucepan and cover with 3 inches of water.
• Boil for 5 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 1 hour.
• Pour off the soaking liquid before cooking.

How to cook dried chickpeas

Here are my favorite ways to cook dried chickpeas. Which cooking method you choose will depend on your preference, equipment, and the amount of time you have.

How to cook chickpeas on the stovetop 

Stovetop method: Place the chickpeas in a large pot and cover by several inches with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1.5 – 2 hours, or until soft (but not mushy). Offset the lid of the pot to let some of the steam out during cooking. Salting at this point will slow down the cooking process, so better to wait to salt until the chickpeas are used in whatever recipe you are making.

How to cook chickpeas in an instant pot (pressure cooker)

Step 1. Pre-soaked or unsoaked beans will work in an instant pot. If you pre-soaked the chickpeas, be sure to drain them before adding to the bowl of your Instant Pot. If you are starting with unsoaked beans, be sure to rinse them in a colander and remove any debris that you see, then add to the iInstant pPot.

Step 2. Cover 2 cups of beans with 6 cups of water, so the chickpeas are covered with 1 inch of water. Add in 1 teaspoon salt and add any extra seasoning such as garlic, onion, or bay leaves. Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure, and adjust the timer to 20 minutes (40 minutes if using unsoaked chickpeas). When the cooking time is up, turn off the Instant Pot and release the pressure manually 10 minutes after the beep. Strain the liquid and refrigerate or freeze the instant pot chickpeas in small batches.

How to cook chickpeas in a slow cooker (crock pot)

The cook time for cooking dried chickpeas in a crock pot will vary depending on the type, size and age of the bean as well as the slow-cooker equipment you are using. Generally, if you did not pre soak the chickpeas, they will take 3  to 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW to become tender. You can shorten the cooking time by preheating the water in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes before adding to the beans. 

How to roast chickpeas?

Oven-roasted chickpeas are one of the easiest healthy snacks to make; they are crunchy and delicious. Rub the cooked chickpeas on a clean, dry paper towel or kitchen towel until the skins fall off. Toss with olive oil and salt, and season with your favorite spices and pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then roast in a 400 °F oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, stirring every 10 minutes. Serve warm or cool completely before storing in an airtight container. 

Do you cook canned chickpeas?

It depends. Canned chickpeas are already cooked and do not need to be cooked before serving. However, canned chickpeas have a firmer texture and the skins are on the chickpeas. You can boil canned chickpeas in enough water to cover them for 15 minutes to soften and warm them, which is helpful before pulverizing them for hummus or other dips. Be sure to drain them after cooking. 

How to peel chickpeas for hummus

Why peel chickpeas?

Skins can be tough and dull the flavor of chickpeas. In some recipes like hummus, peeled chickpeas are the key to smooth texture and luscious flavor. In other dishes like bulgur pilafs, peeled chickpeas are best because otherwise the skins fall off and are unattractive in the pilaf.

Step 1. Start with canned or cooked-from-dry chickpeas. In either case, drain and rinse the chickpeas. For canned, simply drain and rinse. For dry, soak overnight, then drain.

Step 2. Cook the chickpeas by simmering in lots of water for a couple of hours until tender. Warm the chickpeas in a sauté pan with a tablespoon of baking soda for about 2 minutes.

Step 3.. Then immerse the chickpeas in a huge bowl of water in the sink. Agitate, popping the skins off every chickpea you can grab. Pour off the water with the skins. Repeat, and repeat again.

Know too that there’s another option here! Try using Peeled Chickpeas. These are dried chickpeas that are already peeled and therefore par-cooked. They cook by simmering until tender for about 90 minutes.

How to store and freeze chickpeas.

• In the refrigerator: Leftover cooked chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Cooked chickpeas can be stored in the freezer for 4 to 6 months. To freeze, spread cooked chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer, place in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours (this will help when freezing so they don’t stick together). Once frozen, store the chickpeas in a container or a freezer safe bag in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. They will be softer in texture so these are best in dips and dishes that don’t require a firm bean.

Chickpea Recipes

Chickpea and Feta Salad

Potato Kibbeh filled with Chickpeas and Spinach

Best Homemade Hummus Recipe

Lebanese Fattah with chickpeas, pita chips, and yogurt

Lebanese Vegetable Soup with Chickpeas and Kale