How To Cook Chickpeas With and Without Soaking

People usually think that it is a basic need to soak chickpeas before cooking. But that is not the case every time. It is not always necessary to soak chickpeas. But it is more time-consuming than cooking soaked chickpeas. So, it is usually recommended to soak them first to save time and heat.   

How to Select the Best Chickpeas 

It is important to select the best chickpeas before cooking as the size, color, and quantity to be cooked matter a lot. The right chickpeas give you the desired taste. The guideline for selecting the best chickpeas is highlighted below. 

• Check for freshness: It is important to use fresh chickpeas as the rotten ones or the chickpeas that have been stored for a long time are not good for health. The plump ones without any cracks or signs of dryness should be selected. If the chickpeas appear to be shriveled then they shouldn't be cooked. The fresh chickpeas will create a refreshing kitchen environment. 
• Choose the right size: Chickpeas are available in various sizes so, the right size should be chosen while cooking according to the necessity. Chickpeas larger in size usually take a long time to cook but they make the dish more creamy and flavorful. On the other hand, smaller chickpeas can be cooked in a short time and are the ideal choice for making salads. 

• Check for cleanliness: The dirt-free chickpeas make the work of a cooking person easier. If they do not contain debris such as stones, dirt, and other small unwanted particles then they are easy and clean to cook. These clean chickpeas save time in the preparation process. If there is debris then they should be cleaned properly or else they might cause health issues and deteriorate the authentic taste of chickpeas. 
• Go Local: If possible try to choose the local and seasonal chickpeas as they are healthy and fresher than the stored chickpeas. It is also a well-known fact that local food items are free of additives and they can be cooked faster than packaged items. 

How to Soak Chickpeas 

Soaking makes the chickpeas cook faster and digest better. The soaked chickpeas simply look more appealing. They can be soaked in two different ways. 

• Long soak: Put the chickpeas in the large bowl. Cover the chickpeas with plenty of water. If you use cold salted water then it gives better results. Let them soak overnight or for at least 12 hours. Then separate the water and the chickpeas. Do not use the same water for cooking, fresh water is a must. This soaking process ensures the chickpeas are cooked faster than the unsoaked ones. 
• Quick-soak method: If you do not have the time to soak chickpeas overnight, this quick-soak method can be adopted. Put the dry chickpeas into a pan or bowl and cover them with water. Boil them for 5-10 minutes. Now, remove the pan from the heat and let the chickpeas cool down for 1 hour. Even though the water is boiled, the same water shouldn't be used. Pour off the soaking water before cooking the chickpeas.

Chickpeas can be cooked both by soaking and without soaking. Both the process require their own time and preparation method. Soaked chickpeas are the most preferred ones as they are easy and less time-consuming. 

Ingredients

The key ingredients required to cook chickpeas by soaking have been listed here. 

• Dried Chickpeas: 200 grams-1 cup of chickpeas 
• Water: 1.5 liter- 4 cups of water (enough to cover the chickpeas by 2-3 inches)
• Salt: 1 tablespoon (as per the taste) 

Instructions 

Chickpeas can be prepared and cooked in different ways. The stovetop method is the best way to cook soaked chickpeas. Here, are the main instructions to cook chickpeas by soaking. 

1. Rinse and sort the chickpeas

The first step would be to remove the debris from the chickpeas. Start by rinsing them in the cold water. Inspect the chickpeas if there are any stones or other damaged beans.

They should be removed while rinsing or before that. The large bowl can be used to rinse as the dirt particles can easily be seen and separated. This ensures that the chickpeas are now good to consume and do not cause digestive issues. 

2. Soak the Chickpeas

The second and main step in cooking the soaked chickpeas is soaking. Keep the rinsed chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with water. The water should cover all the chickpeas properly. It should be at least 3-4 times higher than the volume of the chickpeas. This will help the chickpeas to expand gradually. 

Let the chickpeas soak in the water for 12 hours or let them soak overnight and cook in the morning. Soaking rehydrates the chickpeas. This makes them soft which becomes easy to cook. Also, this will reduce the cooking time. You can even soak the chickpeas in hot water to get a faster result. 

3. Drain the Chickpeas

After soaking the chickpeas, the next step would be to separate them from water. Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas with cold water. Draining the soaking water helps to give better results where the chickpeas now can be stored for a long time even if it is not cooked then and there.

Draining the soaking water also does not let the chickpeas absorb any off flavors that may deteriorate the natural taste of chickpeas. 

4. Cook the Chickpeas

After the soaked chickpeas have been drained now it is the perfect time to cook them. You may add salt, bay leaf, garlic, and other ingredients and cover them with water. Now, bring all of them together to a boil and simmer until the chickpeas become soft.

Cook the chickpeas until they become tender or you can cook them according to your preference. For a softer flavor, cook them in low flame and for a long time. 

5. Ready to Serve

After the chickpeas have been cooked properly, they are ready to serve. They can be served as a meal or as a soup for breakfast. Do not let them cool down ass the hot chickpeas are more delicious and flavorful. Serve them in a bowl or plates along with other food items. 

The chickpeas can be cooked without soaking by boiling for a long period. Even though they take a long time, they do not lose their natural taste and flavor. Various ingredients and guidelines are required to cook the chickpeas without soaking. 

Ingredients 

Chickpeas can be cooked without soaking with the help of a slow cooker and instant pot method. Different ingredients required to cook chickpeas without soaking have been listed here. 

• Dried Chickpeas: 200 grams ( approximately 1 cup)
• Water or Broth: 2.5 liters ( should cover the chickpeas)
• Salt: 1 tablespoon (as per the taste)
• Baking Soda: 1/2 tablespoon
• Seasonings: garlic, bay leaf ( as preferred)

Instructions 

Here are some of the basic instructions to cook chickpeas without soaking. 

1. Rinse chickpeas

Similar to that of the cooking process for soaked chickpeas, the first step would be to remove the dirt and debris from the chickpeas. After that, they should be rinsed properly in cold water.

This ensures that the chickpeas are clean and healthy to eat. Since they are not soaked in water they should be washed properly as this is the first and the final stage of cleaning them. 

2. Prepare cooking liquids

The next step would be to prepare the cooking liquid. Water is always the best option. Put the rinsed chickpeas in a large pit and add enough water or you can even add broth as it enhances the flavor.

Here, the chickpeas will absorb more amount while cooking so it is better to have the best liquid. Also, you must be careful with the amount of water to be used as the chickpeas will absorb them in high quantities. 

3. Add Seasonings 

If required according to the taste and preference, you can add a pinch of baking soda which will make the cooking process faster. Other seasonings such as garlic, bay leaves, and some herbs can also enhance the flavor.

Salt is to be added in small amounts in the beginning but adding them too early can toughen the chickpeas. So, you need to be careful about this and act accordingly. 

4. Boil and Simmer

Now, the next step would be to boil the water and chickpeas. After the water is boiled, it is better to reduce the heat and cover the pot which allows chickpeas to simmer. Have a proper look at the water level to cook the beans perfectly. The chickpeas should be cooked until they reach the required level of tenderness. 

5. Check for Doneness and Serve

After cooking them for a few hours, the last step would be to check for the doneness of the chickpeas. They should have a moist texture and they shouldn't be too mushy or too soft.

After the doneness is checked, you can again add the seasoning to your taste and adjust the flavor. Once, all of these steps are completed, you can now drain the chickpeas and use them in the desired recipe.

Since there are different methods of cooking the chickpeas, the time taken by them to be cooked is also different. 

Soaked Chickpeas 

The soaked chickpeas already become soft after being soaked in water overnight or for more than 12 hours. So, they generally take 1-2 hours of cooking time. The chickpeas are already hydrated and soft. But the exact cooking time depends upon the quantity to be cooked.

Cooking the chickpeas on the stovetop might take 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours while the use of a pressure cooker can reduce the cooking time by 20-30 minutes. It is important to check the quantity and quality of chickpeas before adopting any cooking methods. 

Unsoaked Chickpeas 

The chickpeas that haven't been soaked in water take more time than the ones soaked in liquids. They typically take 3 to 4 hours on the stovetop or sometimes they may even take longer time. Without soaking the chickpeas need extra time to absorb the water during the cooking process.

So, cooking them in low heat is very important. If the pressure cooker is used then the cooking time can be reduced by 40-50 minutes. The water level needs to be monitored properly as the chickpeas will absorb more liquids when cooked without soaking.

So, the doneness should be checked time and often and if required, the liquids can be added in between while cooking.

Here are some of the cooking suggestions for chickpeas which help to save time and increase the flavor. 

• Use fresh chickpeas: The fresh chickpeas can be cooked in a better way as the older beans take longer to cook and may not soften the dish properly.
• Soak: It is always better to soak the chickpeas if you want to save time and heat. Soaking them overnight will reduce the needed time to cook chickpeas. If short on time, boiling them before cooking will also work.
• Add baking soda: A small amount of baking soda in the cooking water will help to soften the chickpeas and help to break the chickpea's skins which is useful to make the soft texture dish.
• Season at the right time: Salt is one of the ingredients that cannot be missed while cooking beans or vegetables. Adding salt too early can toughen the chickpeas so, it is better to add them at the end. For some dishes, salt can be added at the beginning as well.
• Check for doneness: Check the doneness of the chickpeas about 10-15 minutes before the expected cooking time. Checking doneness will prevent overcooking and help in maintaining the real shape of chickpeas.
• Storage: Cooked chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or the frozen ones can be kept for a few months. It is better to store them in their cooking liquid to maintain the moisture. Store them in an airtight container which will help to keep the natural taste for a long time. 

Chickpeas are a versatile food that can be served with varieties of items. Here are a few serving suggestions for chickpeas. 

Chickpeas Salad 

The healthy salad can be served by mixing chickpeas with vegetables such as cucumbers, red onions, parsley, and many more. A drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and other spices including salt and pepper can be added to enhance the taste and flavor.

This salad is refreshing and packed with various nutrients. This is a very satisfying dish for vegetarians. 

Roasted Chickpeas 

People love crunchy and fried foods. Especially for snacks, roasted chickpeas can be a healthy option. Add some olive oil and season them with your favorite spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and so on. The roasted chickpeas are a healthy alternative to chips and sprinkles.