21 Dinners That Start With a Can of Chickpeas

Chickpea Soup I
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

Great to have on hand for impromptu hummus cravings or even egg-free baking, you'll find a can or two of chickpeas in most household pantries. But these creamy beans can go beyond the basics, as shown with our favorite dinners that start with canned chickpeas. From sippable dishes like soups and curries to hearty meals of pasta and tacos, there's nothing the mighty chickpea can't do.

01 of 21

Chana Masala (Savory Indian Chick Peas)

chickpea stew
Elizabeth Faranda

Layered with flavored thanks to garlic, ginger, onions, and spices, this decadent vegan curry is just begging to be served over basmati rice or naan bread.

02 of 21

Middle Eastern Rice with Black Beans and Chickpeas

Middle Eastern Rice with Black Beans and Chickpeas
Vanessa Martens

This all-in-one dinner contains rice, chickpeas, black beans, and turkey for a stick-to-your-ribs meal. If you don't have turkey on hand, recipe creator JULIEP suggests subbing in ground beef, lamb, or pork.

03 of 21

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling
CC<3's2bake

You only need a handful of ingredients to create this creamy and savory sandwich filling. Chickpeas are lightly mashed with mayonnaise, lemon juice, spices, and veggies to achieve a texture and taste similar to chicken or tuna salad. Serve it scooped over salad or tucked into a pita.

04 of 21

Chickpea Soup

Chickpea Soup I
Buckwheat Queen

"This was the BEST soup that I have ever had," raves reviewer BHUMBOH. "I've cooked a different soup each week for the last 3 months or so, and by far, this was the most delicious!"

05 of 21

Black Bean and Chickpea Chili

Black Bean and Chickpea Chili
Rock_lobster

Pack in the veggies and legumes with this hearty chili recipe. By skipping the optional ground turkey and using vegetable broth, it magically becomes vegan-friendly too.

06 of 21

Pasta with Spinach and Chickpeas

Pasta with Spinach and Chickpeas
Ham

This diverse Italian recipe can be made with any greens and any pasta shape you'd like, says recipe creator KIMBICA. All you need to round things out on the dinner table is a simple side salad and slice of crusty bread.

07 of 21

Air Fryer Vegetarian Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

Air Fryer Vegetarian Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos
Soup Loving Nicole

By using the air fryer, these perfectly seasoned chickpeas and cauliflower become just the right amount of golden brown and crisp. Tuck them into a taco with your favorite toppings and everyone is sure to go back for seconds.

08 of 21

Butter Chickpea Curry

Butter Chickpea Curry
LatinaCook

You've heard of butter chicken, but butter chickpeas might be your new favorite curry. The beans, potatoes, and onions all simmer in a creamy tomato sauce until tender.

09 of 21

Copycat Veggie Balls

Copycat Veggie Balls
Copycat Veggie Balls. Buckwheat Queen

These delicious veggie balls feature canned chickpeas, spinach, bell peppers, corn, and peas. The inspiration was the popular veggie balls from IKEA®. "Mine are even better," says Buckwheat Queen. "The original uses kale instead of spinach. You could also use broccoli rabe, if desired. The original version uses pea protein and chickpea flour. The lentil flour is a personal preference. You can use any bean flour. Serve bowl-style with rice and your favorite sauce."

10 of 21

Italian Chicken and Chickpeas

Italian Chicken and Chickpeas
Rock_lobster

"Every year on Christmas Eve my Nana makes a traditional Italian dish of baccala and chickpeas," says recipe creator Kristin Turrell. "I created this for a quicker and less-expensive version. It's even better the next day!"

11 of 21

Stuffed Red Pepper with Quinoa and Chickpeas

Stuffed Red Pepper with Quinoa and Chickpeas
Eater

Get a double dose plant-based protein in these stuffed peppers from quinoa and chickpeas. The entire pepper can be frozen (goat cheese and all!) to be reheated later for a quick meal.

12 of 21

Tuna and Chickpea Salad

Tuna and Chickpea Salad
FTLSWEETIE

If tuna salad is a favorite, consider bulking it up with some chickpeas. Their mild taste and creamy texture adds extra body without sacrificing flavor.

13 of 21

Vegan Kale and Chickpea Soup

Vegan Kale and Chickpea Soup
France C

"A warm vegan soup that my whole family loves," says recipe creator rgansle. "Totally quick and easy, and super healthy to boot!"

14 of 21

Pasta Chickpea Salad

Pasta Chickpea Salad
CookinBug

Unlike most pasta salads with chickpeas, in this version the beans aren't just thrown in. Before mixing, the chickpeas are sautéed in olive oil over low heat with olives, herbs, and scallions until flavorful and slightly crispy.

15 of 21

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

bowl of Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry with a side of rice
Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry. Allrecipes

Spicy garam masala and creamy coconut milk are the base for this decadent vegan curry. It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it almost faster than takeout.

16 of 21

Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Quinoa with Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Marisa R.

This refreshing dish is delicious hot or cold. "I made this recipe tonight and it was great! Super easy for a busy mom," says yogini.

17 of 21

Garbanzo Tomato Pasta Soup

Garbanzo Tomato Pasta Soup
Jinkies Covet

Tossed in a super garlicky tomato sauce, these chickpeas and pasta make for a hearty meatless meal. And the whole dish is ready in just 30 minutes!

18 of 21

Sweet and Spicy Curry with Chickpeas

Sweet and Spicy Curry with Chickpeas
Allrecipes Magazine

Get a double dose of protein with turkey and chickpeas in this spiced curry. Serve a scoop over basmati rice or naan bread.

19 of 21

Simple Falafel (Chickpea Burgers)

Simple Falafel (Chickpea Burgers)
My Hot Southern Mess

It's hard to beat a crunchy, golden brown falafel for dinner. These easy bites can be served over a salad or wrapped in a pita for a simple meal.

20 of 21

Homemade Ground Chicken-Chickpea Burgers

Homemade Ground Chicken-Chickpea Burgers
Linda T

Using chickpeas, quinoa, and chicken, these burgers are meaty but still veggie-packed. Serve up on a bun or wrap in lettuce for a lower carb option.

21 of 21

Zucchini with Chickpea and Mushroom Stuffing

Zucchini with Chickpea and Mushroom Stuffing
Kim

For a dinner as tasty as it is beautiful, try this recipe. "This dish is definitely a new favorite," says reviewer LITTLEBABY. "Really simple and SO tasty!"

Was this page helpful?