What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Chickpeas
Start by rinsing 2 cups of dried chickpeas under cold water. Remove any stones or debris. Transfer the chickpeas to the pressure cooker’s inner pot and cover them with water. Allow the chickpeas to soak for about 4 hours or overnight. Soaking will help reduce cooking time and enhance digestibility.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse Again
After the soaking period, drain the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Rinsing removes the compounds that can cause gas and makes the chickpeas easier to digest.
Step 3: Add Water and Salt
Transfer the rinsed chickpeas back to the pressure cooker’s inner pot. Add 4 cups of fresh water. If desired, you can also add 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
Step 4: Cook the Chickpeas
Securely close the pressure cooker lid and set it to high pressure cooking mode. Start the cooking process according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. As a general guideline, cook the chickpeas for 20-25 minutes under high pressure.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once the chickpeas are cooked, allow the pressure cooker to release the pressure naturally. This will take around 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the quick release valve to prevent the chickpeas from becoming overly mushy.
Step 6: Open the Lid and Serve
Once the pressure has been released, it’s safe to open the pressure cooker lid. You’ll be greeted by perfectly cooked chickpeas with a creamy texture. At this point, you can strain the excess liquid if desired and use the chickpeas in various recipes, such as salads, soups, or hummus.
Cooking chickpeas in a pressure cooker allows you to skip the long cooking times associated with stovetop or slow cooker methods. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious and tender chickpeas in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, utilizing a pressure cooker is a game-changer in the kitchen!
Now that you know how to cook chickpeas in a pressure cooker, you can enjoy their versatility in a wide range of dishes. So go ahead, grab your pressure cooker, and whip up a batch of tasty chickpeas!