I have to be honest with you—I didn’t always love garbanzo beans (you might know them as chickpeas). But once I started playing around with them in my kitchen, I realized how versatile, filling, and budget-friendly they are.
From crispy snacks to creamy curries, garbanzo beans can turn into almost anything. If you’ve got a can sitting in your pantry, I’m going to show you exactly what to do with it.
Let’s dive into some of my favorite garbanzo bean recipes that I promise you’ll actually enjoy making and eating.
1. Crispy Roasted Garbanzo Beans
This one is my go-to snack. Toss canned garbanzo beans with olive oil, salt, and spices, then roast until crunchy. They taste like chips but are way healthier.
You can try flavors like garlic, paprika, or even chili powder. Perfect for movie night or when you need a salty snack.
2. Garbanzo Bean Salad
When it’s hot outside and you don’t want to cook, this recipe saves the day. Just mix garbanzo beans with cucumber, tomato, onion, olive oil, and lemon juice.
It’s fresh, filling, and super quick. Sometimes I add feta cheese for a creamy touch.
3. Creamy Hummus
This is the classic way to use garbanzo beans. Blend them with tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Smooth, creamy, and perfect with pita bread or veggies. The best part? You can adjust the flavors—extra lemon for tang, or roasted red peppers for sweetness.
4. Garbanzo Bean Curry
If you like comfort food, this one is for you. Cook garbanzo beans in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin and turmeric. It’s hearty, warm, and tastes amazing with rice or naan.
5. Chickpea Pasta Sauce
Here’s something different. Blend garbanzo beans into a creamy sauce with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. Toss it with pasta, and you’ve got a high-protein meal that feels indulgent but is actually healthy.
6. Chickpea Burgers
Skip the meat and make patties with mashed garbanzo beans, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices. Fry or bake them, then stack them in a bun with lettuce and sauce. They’re filling and surprisingly satisfying.
7. Garbanzo Bean Soup
On cold days, I love a bowl of garbanzo bean soup. Cook them with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and broth. Add some spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrition. It’s cozy and simple, like a hug in a bowl.
8. Chickpea Stir-Fry
Yes, garbanzo beans work in stir-fry too. Toss them with veggies like broccoli, peppers, and snap peas in soy sauce and garlic. Serve with rice or noodles for a quick weeknight dinner.
9. Garbanzo Bean Tacos
Swap meat for seasoned garbanzo beans in tacos. Smash them lightly, cook with taco seasoning, and pile into tortillas. Add salsa, cheese, and avocado—trust me, you won’t miss the meat.
10. Chickpea Wraps
This is one of my favorite lunch ideas. Smash garbanzo beans with mayo or Greek yogurt, add celery and onions, then spread in a tortilla with lettuce. It’s like a tuna salad wrap—but meat-free.
11. Chickpea Pizza Topping
Sounds unusual, but it works. Season garbanzo beans with garlic and oregano, then scatter them over pizza. They add a little crunch and extra protein.
12. Garbanzo Bean Stew
Slow-cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and spices, this stew is hearty enough to be a full meal. Serve it with bread to soak up the sauce.
13. Chickpea Omelet (Vegan Style)
Mix chickpea flour with water and spices to make a batter, then cook it like an omelet. Add veggies inside, and you’ve got a high-protein breakfast without eggs.
14. Chickpea Brownies
Yes, dessert! Blend garbanzo beans into brownie batter. You won’t taste them, but they make the brownies moist and fudgy. A healthy twist that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
15. Garbanzo Bean Buddha Bowl
This is my lazy dinner when I don’t know what to cook. Throw roasted garbanzo beans on top of rice or quinoa, add some veggies, and drizzle with tahini sauce. It’s colorful, filling, and feels fancy with very little effort.
FAQs About Garbanzo Beans
Q: Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same?
Yes, they’re the exact same thing. Just two different names.
Q: Can I use dried garbanzo beans instead of canned?
Of course! Just soak them overnight and cook until tender. Canned is faster, but dried often tastes fresher.
Q: Are garbanzo beans healthy?
Yes. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. They keep you full and give you steady energy.
Q: How do I store cooked garbanzo beans?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them.
Q: Can I eat garbanzo beans straight from the can?
Yes, just rinse them first to remove the extra salt.