20 Delicious Vegan Recipe Ideas with Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a vegan kitchen superstar. Packed with protein, fiber, and versatility, they can transform into anything from creamy dips to hearty stews.
Here are 20 mouthwatering vegan recipe ideas that showcase the humble chickpea in all its glory:
1. Classic Hummus
Blend chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve with veggies or pita bread for a timeless appetizer.
2. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mash chickpeas with vegan mayo, celery, and a dash of mustard for a delicious sandwich filling.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt, then roast until crispy. A perfect snack!
4. Chickpea Curry
Simmer chickpeas in a fragrant coconut milk-based curry with spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
5. Chickpea Pancakes (Socca)
Whisk chickpea flour with water, olive oil, and spices to create a savory pancake that’s great for breakfast or a light dinner.
6. Chickpea Burgers
Combine chickpeas with breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and spices. Form into patties and pan-fry for a hearty burger.
7. Chickpea Blondies
Blend chickpeas with nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla for a healthier dessert option.
8. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mix chickpeas with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, parsley, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
9. Chickpea Stir-Fry
Stir-fry chickpeas with your favorite veggies and a soy-ginger glaze. Serve over rice or noodles.
10. Chickpea Shakshuka
Add chickpeas to a rich tomato sauce spiced with cumin and paprika. Serve with crusty bread.
11. Chickpea Tacos
Season chickpeas with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, then stuff into taco shells with avocado and salsa.
12. Chickpea Pizza Topping
Use roasted chickpeas as a protein-packed topping on vegan pizza.
13. Buffalo Chickpea Dip
Mix chickpeas with vegan cream cheese, hot sauce, and spices for a crowd-pleasing dip.
14. Chickpea Noodle Soup
A comforting soup with chickpeas, veggies, and noodles in a savory broth.
15. Chickpea Buddha Bowl
Top a bed of quinoa or rice with roasted chickpeas, steamed veggies, avocado, and a creamy tahini dressing.
16. Chickpea “Tuna” Salad
Mash chickpeas with vegan mayo, nori flakes, and pickles for a seafood-inspired dish.
17. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew
Simmer sweet potatoes and chickpeas in a spiced tomato-based broth for a cozy meal.
18. Chickpea “Egg” Scramble
Mash chickpeas with turmeric, nutritional yeast, and black salt for a scrambled egg alternative.
19. Chickpea Pasta
Toss chickpea pasta with your favorite marinara or pesto sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
20. Chickpea Ice Cream
Blend chickpeas with coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for a creamy, dairy-free dessert.
Tips for Cooking with Chickpeas
- Canned or Dried? Both work well! Canned chickpeas are convenient, while dried chickpeas are more economical.
- Season Generously: Chickpeas are like a blank canvas and absorb flavors beautifully.
- Aquafaba Magic: Don’t toss the liquid from canned chickpeas! It can be whipped into vegan meringues or used as an egg replacer.
With these recipe ideas, you’ll never run out of ways to use chickpeas in your vegan cooking. Which one will you try first?