Middle Eastern Chickpeas Recipes

21 MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA RECIPES THAT ARE NOT HUMMUS: HOW TO COOK CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Soak the chickpeas. You can either soak them overnight or try the quick soaking method. To soak overnight, put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add plenty of water to cover the chickpeas by a good 3 inches. Set aside for 24 hours. For the quick soak method, put the chickpeas in a pot and add 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minute. Turn the heat off, cover and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour. Drain.
• Stovetop Method. In a large cooking pot, put the chickpeas and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 7 cups of water to cover the beans by several inches. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon or more if you like). Add the bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, skimming off any foam or skins that float to the top. Chickpeas will cook anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 ½ hour or until tender (cooking time will vary depending on the type and freshness of the chickpeas).

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• In large heavy skillet sauté garlic, ginger and onion in oil 3-5 minutes until soft.
• Add tomatoes, break in smaller pieces. Add 1/2 reserved juice. Add rest of spices. Cook 5 minutes.
• Add garbanzos, cook 10 minutes. If too thick, add rest of juice. Add parsley and toss. This recipe isn't too spicy, it's the minimum. Add more to your taste.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKPEA & RICE STEW

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; add onions and cook, stirring often, until tender and well browned, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Add cumin and coriander and stir for about 15 seconds. Add orange juice and broth.
• Stir in chickpeas, sweet potato, rice and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are breaking down to thicken the liquid, about 45 minutes.
• Season with pepper. (The stew will be thick and will thicken further upon standing. Add more broth to thin, if desired, or when reheating.)
• Serve topped with cilantro.