Are you a fan of chickpeas? These little legumes are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. While canned chickpeas are convenient, cooking dried chickpeas from scratch can be a more economical and flavorful option. If you’ve always been put off by the thought of a lengthy cooking process, fret not! With our quick tips, you’ll be able to cook dried chickpeas in no time.
Why Should You Cook Dried Chickpeas?
Dried chickpeas are a great staple to have in your pantry for several reasons:
- Cost-effective: Dried chickpeas are typically more budget-friendly compared to their canned counterparts.
- Better taste and texture: Cooking dried chickpeas gives you control over the texture and flavor. You can cook them just until tender or continue until they are perfectly soft.
- Reduced sodium: Canned chickpeas often contain added salt for preservation purposes. When you cook from dried, you can control the amount of salt that goes into your dish.
- No preservatives: Canned chickpeas may contain preservatives, but when you cook dried chickpeas, you have complete control over the ingredients.
How to Cook Dried Chickpeas?
Follow these simple steps to cook dried chickpeas quickly:
- Sort and rinse: Take a cup of dried chickpeas and remove any shriveled or discolored ones. Rinse them under cold water.
- Soak the chickpeas (optional): While soaking is not required, it can help reduce the cooking time. Simply place the chickpeas in a bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight for about 8-12 hours.
- Cook in a pressure cooker: Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a pressure cooker with enough water to cover them by a few inches. Cook for about 15-20 minutes on high pressure.
- Cook on the stovetop: If you prefer not to use a pressure cooker, place the drained chickpeas in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for 1-2 hours until they are tender.
- Drain and use: Once the chickpeas are cooked to your liking, drain them and they’re ready to be used in your favorite recipes.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:
- Add flavor: For extra flavor, consider cooking the chickpeas with a piece of onion, garlic cloves, or bay leaves.
- Save the cooking liquid: The liquid left after cooking chickpeas, called aquafaba, can be used as an egg substitute in vegan baking or to create creamy dressings and sauces.
- Batch cook and freeze: Cook a large batch of chickpeas and freeze them in portions. This way, you’ll always have cooked chickpeas on hand for salads, hummus, or soups.
Now that you know how to cook dried chickpeas effortlessly, you can incorporate these versatile legumes into your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the benefits of cooking from dried while indulging in delicious chickpea-based dishes!
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