If you’re someone who loves hummus with a passion or is a big fan of falafels, then you must know how delicious chickpeas taste! Want to switch up your everyday salads but not sure what to add to them? Throw in some chickpeas! But if you haven’t paid attention to chickpeas until now, you must be wondering what exactly chickpeas taste like?
Chickpeas taste are earthy and a bit nutty in flavor. They have a bean-like taste to them. Although their flavor is quite mild, it can easily be altered. Depending on the way you cook chickpeas, you can take control of their taste.
Chickpeas come under the category of pulses. These have a unique flavor and can be cooked in various ways. Being a versatile ingredient, chickpeas can be used in salads, stews, soups, etc. They are a great addition to your diet if you’re a vegan, as chickpeas are incredibly rich in protein.
Chickpeas fit well when it comes to substitute any type of bean. Although they have a mild flavor to them, they still manage to make an impact when added to any dish.
So, now that you’ve gotten a bit of an idea about chickpeas let’s familiarize you with what chickpeas really are. In this article, we’ll discuss what chickpeas taste like, how they can be cooked, what nutritional benefits they provide, etc.
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What Are Chickpeas?
Chickpeas might look bland and boring, but they sure aren’t in reality. Chickpeas are the underdogs of the culinary world. Highly underrated, chickpeas can be incorporated into several dishes and uplift the overall flavor.
Several names like garbanzo beans, Indian peas, Ceci, and chickpeas are known. They come from the Fabaceae family and are mainly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. They are also rich in protein and fiber. Chickpeas are mostly available in beige color but can also be red, green, black, etc.
India is the largest producer of chickpeas in the world, and more than half of the chickpeas come from this country itself. From sauces to spreads, chickpeas can give you an upper hand no matter what cuisine food you’re cooking.
What Do Chickpeas Taste Like?
Chickpea has a beany and a nutty taste, similar to the taste of other food from the legume family. It has a taste that stays on your tongue for a long time.
Chickpeas are usually used in savory dishes, so commonly, they’re known to have a mild savory taste.
With an ever-lasting aftertaste, chickpeas have a creamy texture. Chickpeas are soft, but they do have a bit of firmness when it comes to texture. They can also be a bit grainy at times which is usually compared to the texture of mashed potatoes.
Never judge chickpeas by their looks! Chickpeas’ beige color might lead you to think of them as bland and tasteless, but that’s far from true. They actually have a unique flavor and texture.
Do Chickpeas Taste Good?
Chickpeas taste good. Chickpeas taste like beans and have a certain earthiness and nuttiness to them. They have a warm flavor and are also sweet in taste. Chickpeas taste good in a number of recipes, be it in spreads or salads; you name it and chickpeas will undoubtedly do the trick for you!
Do Chickpeas Taste Nutty?
Chickpeas have a nutty taste. They have a satisfyingly nutty taste and have a somewhat grainy and creamy texture. This goes well with a variety of other ingredients and sits well with different flavors.
Do Chickpeas Taste Like Butter Beans?
Chickpeas taste quite similar to butter beans. They have the same creaminess to them as butter beans and are super tasty. The only major and noticeable difference between chickpeas and butter beans is the texture. So, if you’re looking for a substitute for butter beans, chickpeas are your closest call!
Do Chickpeas Taste Like Chicken?
Chickpeas don’t taste like chicken. Many people have a misconception that chickpeas taste like chicken just because their names sound similar to each other’s. Although chickpeas can be used to create vegan or plant-based substitutes for various meats as they are a good source of protein, it doesn’t translate into them tasting like chicken.
Why Do Chickpeas Taste Like Tuna?
Chickpeas are widely used in salads. The best salad you can make out of chickpeas is a tuna salad. Chickpeas are extremely similar to tuna in texture but not so much in taste. You can make chickpeas taste like tuna if you add some mayonnaise and nori to it. You can also use some relish instead of nori, depending upon your convenience.
What Do Black Chickpeas Taste Like?
Black chickpeas have a nutty taste. They taste almost the same as regular chickpeas do but the black ones are a bit nuttier than the regular ones. Black chickpeas are thicker and tougher in texture than regular chickpeas. Black chickpeas taste the best when used in hummus, salads, curries, soups, etc.
What Do Green Chickpeas Taste Like?
Green chickpeas have a taste similar to that of classic beans. They have a certain richness to their flavor and have an overall nutty and earthy taste. Green chickpeas have a slightly firm and grainy texture. All in all, green chickpeas are very refreshing and delicious in taste.
What Do Bad Chickpeas Taste Like?
Bad chickpeas have an odd taste to them. They might taste a bit off and have a strange mouthfeel. You can also tell if the chickpeas have gone bad by smelling them. Chickpeas are odorless, so if there’s any sort of odor coming from them they’re probably bad. Another indication of bad chickpeas is their texture. Softness of chickpeas indicates their spoilage.
What Do Canned Chickpeas Taste Like?
Canned chickpeas have a nutty taste. Canned chickpeas are saltier in taste than other types of chickpeas. They have a creamy texture and its best to use them in stews, hummus, salads and soups.
What Do Roasted Chickpeas Taste Like?
Roasted chickpeas are smoky in taste. These chickpeas taste the best when flavored with the right amount of seasoning. Roasted chickpeas can be served as a snack, right out of the packet. Available in various flavors, roasted chickpeas are a delicious snack for you to munch on whenever hunger strikes!
3 Different Types Of Chickpeas And Their Taste
You can never have enough of something, especially if it’s delicious and good for you. Always craving for more, you can’t help but wonder if chickpeas are available in different types or not.
Chickpeas usually come in two different types, and both of these types are available for sale in markets, which are –
- Dried chickpeas
- Canned chickpeas
- Roasted chickpeas
They also come in snack packets in the form of roasted chickpeas and can be consumed as a stand-alone snack.
Given below are the three different types of chickpeas available in the marketplace, along with their taste, texture and description. Take a look!
1. Dried Chickpeas
Dried chickpeas taste a bit like beans. They have a nutty and earthy taste to them which makes them appealing and unique.
Dried chickpeas are the best fit for you if you want to add the real flavor and texture of chickpeas to your dish. Although it may seem like dried chickpeas can be had as a snack item, it isn’t the case (unless you want to get a bad stomach ache).
Dried chickpeas should be soaked before consumption. This type of chickpeas can easily be stored for a long time, about a year, in an airtight container without them going bad. So, you can keep them stored and use them whenever you want!
2. Canned Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas are the same as dried chickpeas in taste. Some people even described it to taste like “tuna fish”, as they’re stored in cans. They’re creamier in texture, when compared to dried chickpeas and are incredibly delicious!
Canned chickpeas are the most bought type of chickpeas. This is because this type of chickpeas is ready to use and can be used straight out of the can. These don’t need a lot of prep like dried chickpeas do and are saltier than dried chickpeas since they’re stored in brine.
Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked, so they don’t require a lot of attention when you cook them. You can easily throw some of these into the dish you’re cooking, and they’ll work their magic all on their own.
3. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas have a smoky taste to them. Seasoned with the right spices, roasted chickpeas are a delightful snack for both your taste buds and stomach!
Roasted chickpeas are both tasty and easy to consume. They don’t need to be cooked or anything and can be eaten straight out of the packet. They are cheaper to buy when compared to the other types of chickpeas available at the market.
Roasted chickpeas are the perfect snack for vegan people and are highly nutritious as well. Depending on the brand, roasted chickpeas are also available in different flavors. If you’re looking for a healthy, vegan snack, then roasted chickpeas are the perfect fit for you!
How To Buy The Best Chickpeas From The Market?
Chickpeas can be found and bought from the market in two forms – Canned and dried. Both of these can be found in organic stores, farmer’s markets, grocery stores, online platforms, etc. To get your hands on the best canned chickpeas, go for cans without any leaks or cracks. Steer clear of any dents as well while shopping for canned chickpeas.
While buying dried chickpeas, check if the beans were stored and kept in a properly covered container. The chickpeas should be whole, without any moisture damage and unblemished. You can find dried chickpeas in most grocery stores and supermarkets.
How To Tell If Chickpeas Are Fresh?
Chickpeas are a great ingredient to cook with and they end up making up some of the best dishes. To enhance your dish’s flavor even more, the freshness of the chickpeas you use becomes pretty important. But how can you tell if the chickpeas you choose are fresh or not?
Fresh chickpeas, derived from the pod itself, taste similar to fresh green peas. You can find fresh chickpeas during the late spring and early summer season. Fresh chickpeas are similar to mini forms of edamame in appearance. They are plump and a bit fuzzy.
If you want to check whether the chickpeas you pick are old, then check physical factors like the odor and appearance of the chickpeas. Old chickpeas tend to have an off smell, flavor or appearance. At times, old chickpeas might also develop mold. Hence, take utmost care of the freshness of the chickpeas you use!
How To Store Chickpeas The Right Way?
Chickpeas are super versatile when it comes to cooking them. You can incorporate them in almost any dish you make and it’d taste super delicious! Since they’re so good, it’d be a shame for such an ingredient to go to waste! So how can you preserve or store chickpeas? Let me tell you!
Different types of chickpeas use different storage techniques. All of them are discussed below! Have a read!
- Canned Chickpeas – If you’ve got some extra canned chickpeas which you don’t intend on using anytime soon, then storing them is the best thing you can do. To store canned chickpeas, remove them from the can and drain them after rinsing once. After that, put the chickpeas in an airtight container and add some olive oil to them. Refrigerate the chickpeas for up to 5 days and no longer. If you want to store them for longer than 5 days, you can freeze the chickpeas rather than refrigerating them.
- Roasted Chickpeas – Storing roasted chickpeas is easier than you might think. All you need to do is put them in a container and not close the lid fully. Providing the much needed air circulation inside the container, store the chickpeas at room temperature. These roasted chickpeas will be good to go for around 3-4 days.
- Cooked Chickpeas – Cooked chickpeas can be stored for a maximum of about 3-4 days. To store these, drain the cooked chickpeas after rinsing them and store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the chickpeas for 3-4 days.
What Are The Uses Of Chickpeas In Cooking?
When it comes to cooking, we all love an ingredient that is versatile and fits in well with other ingredients. Chickpeas fit this description so well, and you’d be surprised.
Chickpeas can be used in almost anything. Being an important part of various cuisines like Italian, Jewish, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, etc., chickpeas have great culinary importance. They’re used to make hummus, spreads, falafels, spices, salads, etc.
Chickpeas can be used in cooking in the following ways :-
- Salad – Chickpeas make a great addition to salads. They add onto the texture and are super tasty!
- Soup – Toss in some chickpeas and stir it into a soup. It’ll add a unique texture and uplift the overall flavor of the soup.
You can cook chickpeas in whatever way you like. You can eat them straight out of the can or roast them. You can even put them in the oven and let them cook. All you need is the right seasoning and flavoring to enhance the flavor of the chickpeas.
Health Benefits Of Chickpeas
Chickpeas are not only super delicious, they’re also extremely nutritious. While you can cook up some amazingly tasty dishes with chickpeas, you can also benefit from all the health benefits it offers to its consumers.
Chickpeas are loaded with several different nutrients. They are a great addition to vegan diets as they are full of plant protein. Chickpeas help in maintaining your weight and help in digestion.
Chickpeas support healthy blood sugar regulation and provide protection against chronic illnesses. Lastly, chickpeas also promote brain health and help in the prevention of iron deficiency.
Nutritional Content Of Chickpeas
Not only do chickpeas taste delicious, but they’re also very nutritious. Impressive, isn’t it? Chickpeas have all the necessary nutrients, which will prove to be greatly beneficial to you.
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber. They also have all the important nutrients like vitamin B-6, magnesium, iron, potassium, etc. Being purely plant-based, chickpeas have zero cholesterol. They also help in controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining blood pressure, improving digestion, etc.
| Nutrient | Quantity |
| Calories | 267 kcal |
| Protein | 14.4 grams |
| Fat | 4.2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 44.7 grams |
| Fiber | 12.5 grams |
| Vitamin C | 2.1 milligrams |
| Calcium | 80.4 milligrams |
Conclusion
Chickpeas are legumes belonging to the Fabaceae family. These are both delicious and nutritious. Chickpeas are available in three types – Roasted, dried and canned. They are versatile and can be cooked and consumed in whichever way you want!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are all the types of chickpeas?
Chickpeas are available in three types – Dried chickpeas, roasted chickpeas and canned chickpeas.
What do chickpeas taste like?
Chickpeas have a nutty and earthy taste.
What is the texture of chickpeas?
Chickpeas have a soft and creamy texture. When cooked, a certain grainy texture is added to them.
What can chickpeas be used in?
Chickpeas can be used in salads, stews, hummus, falafels, etc.
