Series The Abcs Of Chickpeas

Perhaps you’ve enjoyed chicken or lamb korma at your favorite Indian restaurant, or you’ve made it yourself, but korma can be much more than these meat-heavy versions. In fact, swapping in chickpeas makes a korma everyone can get behind. A classic korma is a mix of meat and vegetables braised with water; stock; heavy cream, yogurt, or even coconut milk; and plenty of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

If you need another example of how versatile chickpeas can be, we’re happy to introduce you to the the chickpea loaf, a vegetarian version of the homey meatloaf that can do just about anything the meat-based dish can do — and it’s just as delicious to boot. Blitz chickpeas in a food processor, along with a variety of aromatics and other veggies, and you’ve got a chunky mix that can be pressed into a loaf pan, baked, and sliced just like meatloaf.

With a spiced curry sauce that we sop up with abandon, chana masala, one of the most popular vegetarian curry dishes you’ll find at Indian restaurants, is full of tender chickpeas. It’s become a comfort-food classic for many home cooks and still manages to feel wholesome. Best of all, it’s a dish easily made at home — as long as you keep a few key ingredients in your pantry.

Nothing beats a slice of quiche encased in a flaky crust. That is, unless, you’re vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-intolerant — in which case, it’s far harder to pull off. But yes, a custardy quiche without the eggs and milk does exist, and it exists because of chickpeas. All it takes is a bit of chickpea flour and a little ingenunity. If you haven’t played around with chickpea flour yet, it’s about time you do.

Nuts usually take first place when it comes to a crunchy snack that you can pick at anytime, but we’re making the case for roasted chickpeas instead. Be it at a bar or a fancy cocktail party, roasted chickpeas can play the same role that nuts play. If you already have a can of chickpeas tucked away in your pantry, you have all the makings for this crunchy snack. Simply drain them, dry them well, toss them with olive oil and salt, and roast them at high heat for about 30 minutes.

Lately, one simple French dish from a tiny corner of the country has been getting a lot of love. It’s a gluten-free flatbread that’s tasty, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable. Originating in the southern region of Provence, the dish is called socca and it’s made from chickpea flour. Here’s what you need to know to fall in love with it too. Socca is a simple dish.

Tuna salad without the tuna probably sounds strange, yet it’s just another occasion where the power of chickpeas is present. Here’s what you need to know about a chickpea-based tuna salad. This vegetarian twist on tuna salad is an equally solid option for a pantry lunch. A can of chickpeas replaces the can of tuna fish and it’s mixed with a bit of mayo, mustard, celery seeds, and chopped celery.

While not a vegan myself, I feel confident that I could be one, thanks to chickpeas — without them I think it would be nearly impossible. That’s because the little beige bean is such a powerful source of protein in the vegan diet. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s ridiculously versatile and tasty, helping you whip up both creamy desserts and savory main dishes.

Look to the liquid in your can of chickpeas to surprise you again: it makes for a luscious dairy-free take on whipped cream. Since really, what would a slice of pie be without a mound of whipped cream on top? Using the ever-impressive chickpea cooking liquid known as aquafaba, you can whip up a creamy dessert topping that mimics the regular stuff. Since aquafaba contains proteins and other nutrients, it can actually be whipped up and thickened just like heavy cream.