20 Unique and Tasty Ways to Eat Chickpeas

Posted by Jenny Potter on January 17, 2017

We love chickpeas as hummus, in chana masala and as a filling summer salad, but there are so many more creative ways to enjoy this popular legume. From flavourful pasta sauce to crunchy roasted chickpea snacks, get your can opener ready for some new and delicious chickpea recipes.

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Roasted Sweet and Salty Chickpeas

Simple, healthy and delicious, these sweet and salty roasted chickpeas are sure to please. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-sweet-and-salty-chickpeas/13517/" target="_blank">Roasted Sweet and Salty Chickpeas</a>
2 of 20

Ginger Squash Stew, Chickpeas and Challao Stew with Rice

Chickpeas add lean protein to this rich and flavourful veggie stew, that’s chock-full of fragrant ginger, butternut squash, charro and spiced with nutmeg, garam masala and chilies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ginger-squash-stew-chickpeas-and-challao-stew-with-rice/12969/" target="_blank">Ginger Squash Stew, Chickpeas and Challao Stew with Rice</a>
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Smoky Chickpea Pizza with Labneh

A crispy pita pizza starring smoky stewed chickpeas with a few scoops of creamy labneh (cream cheese) and a runny egg in the middle. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoky-chickpea-pizza-with-labneh/15268/" target="_blank">Smoky Chickpea Pizza with Labneh</a>
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Grilled Chickpea Polenta Cakes with Chive Oil and Lemon

Simple homemade chive oil adds an extra dose of flavour to these tender savoury cakes packed with chickpeas for protein and moist polenta. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-chickpea-polenta-cakes-with-chive-oil-and-lemon/18254/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Grilled Chickpea Polenta Cakes with Chive Oil and Lemon</a>
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Ceci (Chickpeas) Sauce with Penne

Packed with nutrition and tons of flavour, this hearty pasta is covered in a sauce that combines San Marzano tomatoes, ground chickpeas, chile, rosemary and garlic, all topped with Pecorino cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ceci-chickpeas-sauce-with-penne/18259/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Ceci (Chickpeas) Sauce with Penne</a>
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Curried Rice and Chickpeas with Egg

Bring chickpeas to the breakfast table with this savoury 6-ingredient recipe. Like a breakfast hash, top this leftover-friendly dish with an egg and enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/curried-rice-and-chickpeas-with-egg/15846/" target="_blank">Curried Rice and Chickpeas with Egg</a>
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Smoky Chickpeas on Grilled Toast with Poached Eggs & Zahtar

Spice up your typical beans on toast with this decadent dish of smoky stewed chickpeas with poached eggs and zahtar on toasted bread. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoky-chickpeas-on-grilled-toast-with-poached-eggs-and-zahtar/15269/" target="_blank">Smoky Chickpeas on Grilled Toast with Poached Eggs & Zahtar</a>
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Tuscan Mashed Chickpeas

No one will expect the delicate flavours in this tasty, hummus-like dip. Unlike hummus, each bite is bursting with Italian flavours like tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tuscan-mashed-chickpeas/18234/" target="_blank">Ina Garten’s Tuscan Mashed Chickpeas</a>
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Mediterranean Chickpea Stew

This hearty soup is perfect on a chilly night, or when you feel like something hearty and soothing. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mediterranean-chickpea-stew/10941" target="_blank">Mediterranean Chickpea Stew</a>
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Chickpea Chili in Spicy Tomato Sauce

Another reason to love chickpeas! Root veggies, tomato sauce and canned chickpeas come together for delightful dinner that you can make in just 15 minutes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-chili-in-a-spicy-tomato-sauce/15847/" target="_blank">Chickpea Chili in Spicy Tomato Sauce</a>
11 of 20

Chorizo and Chickpea Sauce with Rice Pasta

Packed with Spanish chorizo and fresh herbs, this simple weeknight pasta allows you to make the tasty chickpea tomato sauce ahead of time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chorizo-and-chickpea-sauce-with-rice-pasta/18260/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Chorizo and Chickpea Sauce with Rice Pasta</a>
12 of 20

Quinoa and Ceci Soup

This quinoa and chickpea soup gets its deep colour from a blend of tomatoes and carrots, while tons of fresh herbs and a serious hunk of Parmesan gives it beautiful depth of flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raffys-quinoa-and-ceci-soup/17266/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Quinoa and Ceci Soup</a>
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Chickpea and Potato Soup

If you're looking for a healthy, hearty soup with a lot of bite, look no further than this creamy and delicious vegetarian main. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-and-potato-soup/17423/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Chickpea and Potato Soup</a>
14 of 20

Cashew Chickpea Burger

These firm and hearty burgers are the perfect meatless meal paired with a creamy sauce and fresh veggies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cashew-chickpea-burger/14957/" target="_blank">Cashew Chickpea Burger</a>
15 of 20

Bobby Flay’s Chicken and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Harissa Sauce

Moroccan stews, full of aromatic spices, herbs and a balance of sweet and savoury flavours, make healthy cooking a breeze. Tender chicken and creamy chickpeas add substance, while apricots mingle with harissa for a sweet-heat backdrop. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-and-chickpea-tagine-with-apricots-and-harissa-sauce/15879/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Chicken and Chickpea Tagine with Apricots and Harissa Sauce</a>
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Vegan Meringues

You'll never drain chickpea water down the sink again! The leftover liquid can be whipped up into the most delightful vegan meringues — just fold in chocolate chips or any flavouring you like, and enjoy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-meringues/19408/" target="_blank">Vegan Meringues</a>
17 of 20

Chickpea Sandwich

Falafels are delicious, but we love the ease of this simple, polenta-like chickpea patty, which can be made in advance. Whip-up a batch on the weekend for an easy grab-and-go weekday lunch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chickpea-sandwich/11804/" target="_blank">Chickpea Sandwich</a>
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Pan Roast Chickpeas with Mint

When you're in a pinch, turn to your pantry for a tasty side you can make in minutes. Mustard and mint jelly give this warm dish a refreshing flavour, while crunchy almonds, pan-roasted chickpeas and dried apricots create a pleasing variety of textures. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pan-roast-chickpeas-with-mint/13272/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Pan Roast Chickpeas with Mint</a>
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Chickpea Soup

If you love hummus, you’ll love the texture of this creamy, flavourful soup that’s packed with bay, thyme, garlic and just a pinch of cumin. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/laura-calders-chickpea-soup-/8281/" target="_blank">Chickpea Soup</a>
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Sweet Potato Chickpea Patties with Curry Mayonnaise

Swap out your typical meat burger for this delicious South Asian vegetarian alternative. Get the recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/sweet-potato-chickpea-patties-with-curry-mayonnaise/14130/" target="_blank">Sweet Potato Chickpea Patties with Curry Mayonnaise</a>
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