Quick and Easy Methods for Cooking Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient. While traditional methods of cooking require soaking them overnight, there are some hacks and tips that can help you cook chickpeas more quickly. Learn how to speed up the process and enjoy these legumes in your cooking faster.

Soaking Chickpeas for Quick Cooking

The first and most effective way to speed up the cooking process is by soaking your chickpeas overnight. This method not only helps them cook quicker but also makes them easier to digest. By pre-soaking the chickpeas, the cooking time can be significantly reduced, making them soft and ready to use in just a few minutes of boiling.

For this method, simply place your chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them sit overnight, or for at least 8 hours. The next day, drain the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas to remove any potential contaminants before cooking them.

Alternative Quick Cooking Methods

For those short on time, there are alternative methods to achieve quick cooking:

Soaking and Hot Water Method

If you do not have the time to soak overnight, you can still achieve a faster cooking process by soaking the chickpeas in hot water for about an hour before boiling. Additionally, adding a pinch of baking soda or salt to the boiling water can further help to soften the chickpeas more quickly. It is important to ensure that the chickpeas soak in hot water for at least an hour, as this will help them to cook more evenly.

Using Baking Powder

Adding baking powder to chickpeas during the soaking phase can also help them soak more quickly, making them softer and ready to cook more quickly. However, even with baking powder, it is recommended to soak the chickpeas for at least the required hour to ensure they become softly tender. Skip this step at your own risk and remember, while it may help, soaking is still necessary.

Microwaving Chickpeas

While microwaving is a common method for cooking legumes, chickpeas do not respond well to this method. The texture tends to become mushy or overcooked very quickly, and you may lose the distinct benefits of cooking them in liquid. Therefore, it is not recommended for chickpeas unless you have no other option.

Pressure Cooking

If you are short on time, pressure cooking is the fastest method. Soak the chickpeas with boiled water for about an hour, then place them in a pressure cooker with enough liquid to cover them. Cook under pressure for about 15-20 minutes. This method is efficient and can significantly reduce the cooking time, making it ideal for busy days.

Regardless of the method you choose, always start with soaking overnight for the best taste and texture. If you are in a time crunch, soaking for an hour can still provide substantial benefits, but remember that proper soaking is mandatory for the chickpeas to cook evenly and become tender.

To achieve the best results, plan ahead and soak the chickpeas by the night before if you want to cook them quickly. This preparation will ensure that your chickpeas are ready to add to your meals just in time.