5 from 39 votes
How to Cook Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
This recipe explains how to cook dried chickpeas using stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot methods to achieve al dente or soft textures. Chickpeas are soaked, rinsed, and simmered in water until tender, making them ready for use in a variety of dishes. The instructions cover timing and water ratios for consistent, fully cooked chickpeas.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
12
servings
Calories:
137 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Indian
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chickpeas sorted, rinsed and drained, dried
- 6-8 cups water
- 1 tsp. salt optional
Instructions
- Rinse, sort, and drain the garbanzo beans of any visible dirt and debris.
Cup of Yum
Stovetop Method:
- In a large pot add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ - 2 inches.
- Bring the pot to a boil, cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer chickpeas for 1 ½ hours for al dente and 2 hours for soft.
- Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1- 1 ½ inches in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Set slow cooker to high and cook for 3 hours for al dente and 3 ½ - 4 hours for soft.
- Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Instant Pot Method:
- Add 1 pound chickpeas, salt, and enough water to cover them by 1 ½ - 2 inches in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 30-35 minutes for al dente and 35-40 minutes for soft.
- Allow a 10 minute natural pressure release.
- Drain excess water and use cooked chickpeas as desired.
Notes
- One pound of dried chickpeas produces about six cups cooked; a half-cup cooked serving is a typical portion.
- Store cooked chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze cooked chickpeas in sealed bags or containers for up to 3-6 months.
- To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove with a little water until heated through; baking at 350°F for 10 minutes can give a drier texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
137kcal
(7%)
Carbohydrates
22g
(7%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
2g
(3%)
Sodium
174mg
(7%)
Potassium
330mg
(7%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
25IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
1.5mg
(2%)
Calcium
43mg
(4%)
Iron
2.4mg
(13%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 137kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Sodium | 174mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 330mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 25IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1.5mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.4mg | 13% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.