Versatile recipes and tips for using canned chickpeas

Canned chickpeas serve as a versatile, economical, and quick ingredient for various culinary applications, ranging from salads and spreads to stews and vegan burgers.

Key preparation tips include rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess salt and starch from the canning liquid, which improves texture in salads and hummus. While canned chickpeas are efficient for quick meals, they may not absorb flavors as deeply as dried chickpeas used in long-simmering stews.

Additionally, the canning liquid, known as aquafaba, can be utilized as an egg substitute in vegan baking. Common preparations include making hummus by blending chickpeas with garlic, sesame, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil, or using them in warm dishes and purees.