10 Things You Can Make With Chickpeas (Besides Hummus)

Faux-Tuna Sandwich Filling

Blended chickpeas are famous for making the oh-so-dippable hummus, but mashed chickpeas arguably make an even better sandwich filling. When combined with a few choice ingredients (like vegan mayo, pickles and lemon juice), you can make a faux tuna that’s an easy, protein-packed lunch option and won’t stink up the office. Your co-workers will thank you.

Try this Chickpea Tuna Sandwich from Hot For Food.

Roasted Chickpeas

A crunchy and satisfying chip replacement, you’ll love roasted chickpeas and all the health benefits they offer. And who doesn’t love munching on snacks!?

While potato chips are low on nutrition (and high in calories and saturated fat) roasted chickpeas are full of fibre and protein. Not only are they filling – they’re easy to make, too. Strain a can of chickpeas, rinse them in cold water and pat them dry. Then just spread them on a baking pan with some olive oil and your choice of spices and bake them for about 20 minutes in a 400F oven.

Feeling inspired? We’ve got 5 Roasted Chickpea Recipes to Help You Kick Your Chip Habit.

Homemade Falafel

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a crunchy falafel smothered in tahini. The best part: They taste like an indulgence, but they’re surprisingly healthy. Not only are they a great source of plant-based protein and plenty of fibre, they’re also packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh parsley, garlic and olive oil. 

Want to go the traditional route? Try our Falafel Pita recipe.

If you want to avoid the fats that get added from frying, try baking your falafels for an option that is equally yummy and satisfying. Here’s how: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the falafel partway through.

Chickpea Fries

Ah, French fries. They’re hard to resist – but this highly processed food is one of the worst things you can eat. Fries are loaded with unhealthy fats and sodium and have basically no nutritional value.

But what if you could have all the satisfaction of fries, minus the unhealthy aspects? Enter chickpea fries. Instead of using whole chickpeas, these fries use chickpea flour to create a crave-worthy crunchy snack. Chickpea flour is low in the calories and carbs found in regular whole-wheat flour, but it’s much higher in protein (there’s about 22g of protein in one cup).

Try this recipe as a yummy appetizer option at your next potluck.

Chana Masala

If you have your favourite Indian restaurant on speed-dial, you’re probably familiar with this hearty, comforting dish. But before you make a takeout order, you might be surprised to learn that Chana Masala is really easy to make at home. The dish is made of mostly chickpeas, spices, onions, and tomatoes, which makes it a quick -and super nutritious – dinner option.

Try this Quick Vegan Chana Masala recipe.

Chickpea Flour Omelette

Yes, it is possible to make an omelette without actually using eggs, thanks to two protein-packed ingredients: Chickpea flour and tofu.

This simple seven-ingredient omelette is not only loaded with protein, it’s also packed with veggies, making this a healthy and delicious way to start your morning (or evening, if you’re a breakfast-for-dinner person).

photo credit: shutterstock

Vegetarian Stew

Make any veggie stew heartier and healthier with the addition of a can of chickpeas.

Try our Moroccan Vegetable Stew recipe for a hearty, satisfying fibre-filled dinner. Bonus: You can make it in the slow cooker so it’s ready when you get home from work.

Veggie Burgers

No chickpea recipe list would be complete without mentioning the humble veggie burger. Our Knife-and-Fork Mushroom Burger is flavourful thanks to two cups of mushrooms and lots of fresh herbs, and also uses a whole can of chickpeas for added fibre and protein.

If you’re tired of veggie burgers and want to try something a little different, give these Chickpea Cutlets a try. They’re crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which makes them a great meat substitute.

Pesto

Swap nuts or seeds for chickpeas in your favourite pesto recipe for a fibre and protein-filled kick.

Chickpeas are really versatile. Whether you use them as an ingredient in pesto, like in this Chickpea Basil Pesto recipe from Oh She Glows or combine them with pesto, like in this Chickpea Pesto Sandwich they provide lots of texture, taste and nutritional benefits.

Dessert

That’s right. It may seem strange to put beans in your dessert, but it tastes like an indulgence. Try this Gluten-Free Chickpea Chocolate Cake for a special occasion (or just an average day – it’s healthy, after all!).

These Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies may taste better than your usual afternoon snack, but they’re packed with more protein than your average sweet treat.