18 Chickpea Recipes That Everyone Will Love

Moroccan Chickpea Tagine has gained international popularity in recent years cooked in clay or ceramic pots known as tagine. Its vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and ease of preparation have made it a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Like most traditional dishes, the recipe for Moroccan Chickpea Tagine varies by region, family, and personal preference. Some use lamb or chicken instead of chickpeas, while others add different vegetables or fruits like apricots or prunes.

Chickpea fritters are savory little sunshine balls. Tracing their origins back centuries and across continents, these humble fritters weave together threads of culinary influence and necessity, becoming beloved street food and home staples in multiple cultures.

Chickpea fritters come in various shapes and sizes, from golden brown, coin-sized discs to irregular, pan-fried patties. Their surfaces are dotted with flecks of spices and herbs and sometimes even chopped vegetables, adding pops of color and texture to them.

Vegan Fatteh is made of crispy-crumbled pita bread and warm and nutty roasted chickpeas. Chopped parsley, mint, and perhaps pomegranate seeds act as toppings and the whole dish is covered with a creamy white tahini sauce. The word "fatteh" derives from the Arabic verb "futta" meaning "to crumble" or "to break."

With the growing popularity of veganism in recent years, vegan versions of fatteh have gained more prominence. These cleverly replace the dairy-based yogurt or tahini sauce with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, avocado sauce, or tahini thinned with plant-based milk.

Spicy Chickpea and Mango Salsa likely draw inspiration from Mexican salsas, known for their vibrant combinations of chilies, cilantro, and onions. Chunky, golden chickpeas, toasted for a hint of smokiness, mingle with juicy mango chunks. This salsa is sweeter compared to other salsa recipes because of the mango.

A flavor explosion occurs as the richness of chickpeas perfectly balances the mango's sweet, tropical zing. Red onion adds a tangy bite, cilantro imparts herbaceous flavor and chili provides subtle heat that creeps up slowly, building a gentle warmth that lingers on your tongue.

Mediterranean chickpea salad is a feast for the eyes, a mosaic of textures and colors. Plump chickpeas, red chopped tomatoes and green cucumber and parsley, the mix forms a rainbow on your plate.

Diced cucumber also adds a cool, crispiness, it's green flecked with black pepper. Thinly sliced red onion gives a fiery undertone, while the creaminess of crumbled feta cheese works on balancing it. A glistening pool of olive oil, infused with lemon gives a golden glow to the whole dish.

Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwiches are like a party for taste buds! It all starts with soft, yummy bread filled with mashed-up chickpeas, which are like a creamy bean dip. They're mixed with yummy spices that work well on the palates.

Next, the galore of crunchy veggies like cucumbers and peppers, along with fresh, leafy herbs makes the dish even more special. A swirl of nutty tahini, like a creamy sauce, ties it all together. It's like a rainbow of flavors in every bite, making your tummy feel filled and good. 

Buffalo Chickpea Salad is another salad-based dish with flavor explosion. The combination of crispy buffalo chickpeas with creamy dressings and crispy vegetables is not a new concept. However, adding the bold, tangy heat of Buffalo sauce to this mix creates a unique and delightful salad experience.

Celery adds a crunchy beat, red onion brings a tangy bite, and crumbled blue cheese makes the whole dish creamy. Buffalo Chickpea Salad is known for its adaptability, vegan mayo and dressings can be used as a substitute for plant-based diets.

Chickpea tacos are another perfect meat substitute. Corn tortillas, the foundation of modern tacos are filled with protein-rich chickpeas. Alongside, spicy seasonings like cumin, chili powder and paprika add a punch to the flavor profile.

Roasted vegetables, fresh herbs and creamy sauces add layers of texture and taste to the tacos. The rise of vegetarian and vegan diets in recent decades sparked a search for alternatives to traditional meat-based fillings and chickpeas make the perfect opt.

Yet another alternative to meat-based fillings, chickpea quesadillas are Mexican cuisine's global popularity. The earthy chickpeas perfectly blend with the melted cheese, the harmonious duet is seasoned with warm spices like cumin and paprika.

Fresh herbs offer a vibrant counterpoint, their coolness balanced by the subtle sweetness of vegetables and the occasional fiery zing of salsa. Each bite is a different experience, a unique blend of savory, creamy, tangy and spicy.

Shrimp and Chickpea Salad is a blend of sweet and savory, with the shrimp providing sweetness and the chickpeas offering a nutty earthiness. Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, tahini, hummus, or avocado are used to add richness and tanginess to the whole dish.

Typically cooked and peeled, often seasoned with paprika, cumin, or other spices, shrimp is the star of the dish. Usually cooked and cooled, sometimes toasted for extra flavor, chickpeas may be mashed or left whole depending on the desired texture.

Garbanzos como conejo is a traditional Spanish dish from the city of Trebujena in which conejo refers to "rabbit". It is a stew of chickpeas with rice, onion, garlic, tomato, green pepper, bay leaf, saffron, cloves and white wine.

Garbanzos como conejo is served hot, accompanied by bread or a salad. It is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for winter. The name of the dish is a bit of a misnomer, as it does not actually contain any rabbit. However, the dish is said to be reminiscent of rabbit stew.

Chickpea and Pesto Pasta is a light, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for summer picnics, lunch boxes, or a delicious weeknight meal. Smooth pasta contrasts beautifully with crunchy veggies and creamy chickpeas, making the dish delightful.

Typically cooked and drained, chickpeas add protein and texture to the dish. Some recipes might call for mashed chickpeas for a creamier consistency. The heart of the dish is pesto providing a burst of basil and savory flavors.

Falafel Pita Wraps is made with a soft, warm pocket of bread called a pita. The bread is filled with crispy, yummy balls called falafel. They're like mini-burgers made of chickpeas and spices, cooked to a golden crisp.

Colorful veggies like chopped tomatoes, cool cucumbers and crunchy red onions are also added. These vegetables add a refreshing crunch and pop of flavor to the wraps. A creamy, tangy sauce called tahini, made from sesame seeds completes the dish by tying all the flavors together. 

Thai Chickpea Peanut Curry is a vibrant symphony of Asian flavors, textures and aromas, all wrapped up in a warm, comforting bowl. Golden chickpeas nestle within a creamy coconut milk, swirling with fiery red curry and nutty peanut butter.

Zingy ginger and fragrant garlic mingle with crunchy veggies, painting a vibrant landscape of flavors. Herbs like lime provide freshness, while toasted cashews add a final, delightful crunch. The dish presents the taste of Thailand in a warm, comforting bowl.

Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk is a fragrant, flavorful dish originating from Indian cuisine, with influences from various Southeast Asian countries. It's a vegetarian or vegan delight, packed with protein and bursting with deliciousness.

The heart of Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk beats with plump chickpeas, offering protein and a satisfying bite. Creamy coconut milk provides a touch of sweetness, fiery red curry paste unleashes its vibrant heat and ginger and garlic provide fragrance. 

Hummus bi Tahini is a delightful dip or spread originating from the Middle East. It's a creamy, flavorful masterpiece particularly popular in Levantine cuisines. The creamy chickpeas, nutty tahini, lemon, olive oil and garlic are the ingredients required to prepare this dip.

Hummus bi Tahini reigns supreme as a global food icon. Countless regional variations exist, adding spices, vegetables, or unexpected twists. From street carts to Michelin-starred kitchens, it continues to evolve, uniting cultures and satisfying palates across the globe.

Socca is a delicious and deceptively simple chickpea flatbread originating from the southeastern coast of France. This chickpea flour pancake has thin and crispy with golden edges, perfect for snacking or as a base for toppings like grilled vegetables, olives, or cheese.

Traditionally, Socca is enjoyed as a street food, sold warm from food carts and often sprinkled with black pepper. The crispy thin pancake can be topped with anything from fresh herbs and olives to caramelized onions and salsa.

Veggie Chickpea Moussaka is a type of Vegetarian Moussaka, that features protein-packed chickpeas and offers a lighter, fresher twist. This dish represents a delightful and hearty casserole, a luscious vegetarian twist on the classic Greek dish.

The base is tender roasted eggplant slices, a classic foundation soaking up the delicious sauce. The heart of the dish is formed by vibrant tomato-based sauce, where cooked chickpeas play the starring role. Veggies are added according to choice and the whole layer is wrapped with Béchamel sauce.