Indian Chickpea Recipes

Chickpeas, otherwise known as garbanzo beans, are an important ingredient in Indian cuisine. Part of the Fabaceae family, this delicious variety of beans is grown in the Middle East but enjoyed all over the world.

Chickpeas are also high in fiber and protein. Not to mention, they are incredibly delicious. If you love chickpeas, you’ve come to the right place. If you love Indian food too, you’ve landed in heaven.

In today’s post, we’re going to show you the best Indian chickpea recipes you can make right now. We’ll show you delicious appetizers and snacks, healthy salads, and a collection of other vegan delights.

This might be hungry work, so you might want to grab a snack before we get started. 

Sensational Snacks and Appetizers

1. Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

Crispy air fryer chickpeas are a quick and healthy snack flavored with garlic powder, chili powder, and olive oil. Golden, crunchy, and protein-packed, they’re ready in just 15 minutes. These make a perfect guilt-free treat to satisfy your salty snack cravings.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, salt, olive oil.
• Method: Toss chickpeas with spices and oil. Air fry until crisp, and enjoy!

2. Creamy Hummus

A creamy blend of chickpeas, lemon juice, and garlic, this hummus is perfect as a dip or a spread for roti and pakoras. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, crackers, or even as a sandwich filling.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, salt.
• Method: Blend cooked chickpeas with lemon juice, garlic, and spices until smooth.

3. Aloo Chana Chaat Cups

A vegan take on Indian street food, these phyllo cups are filled with a tangy chickpea and potato mixture, spiced with chutneys and chaat masala. Their bite-sized portions make them perfect for parties, where they’re sure to be a hit with guests.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, boiled potatoes, chaat masala, green chutney, pomegranate arils.
• Method: Fill phyllo cups with the spiced chickpea-potato mixture. Top with chutneys and pomegranate seeds.

Delicious Chickpea Curries

4. Chana Masala

A classic Indian curry made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices like garam masala and coriander. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a comforting and wholesome meal for any day of the week.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, chili powder, coriander, garam masala.
• Method: Sauté spices, onions, and tomatoes. Add chickpeas and simmer until flavors meld.

5. Chana Saag

Chana Saag combines tender chickpeas with spinach in a mildly spiced tomato and onion curry. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and nutritious.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, spinach, onions, garlic, cumin, garam masala.
• Method: Cook spinach with spices and mix with chickpeas in a rich tomato sauce.

6. Butter Chickpeas

A vegan spin on butter chicken, this curry uses slow-cooked chickpeas in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. The rich and luscious flavors are sure to impress even the most traditional curry lovers.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, coconut cream, tomatoes, garam masala, turmeric.
• Method: Slow-cook chickpeas with tomatoes and spices. Add coconut cream for richness.

7. Instant Pot Chickpea Coconut Curry

This creamy, vibrant curry is made with chickpeas, coconut milk, and a mix of Indian spices. It’s an ideal dish for busy nights when you want something comforting without much effort.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, coconut milk, turmeric, garam masala, coriander.
• Method: Cook chickpeas with coconut milk and spices in an Instant Pot for a quick meal.

8. Kerala Kadala Curry

A traditional Kerala dish featuring black chickpeas in a spiced coconut gravy typically served with puttu or appam. Its bold flavors and creamy texture offer a taste of South Indian home cooking at its finest.

• Ingredients: Black chickpeas, coconut milk, curry leaves, garam masala.
• Method: Simmer chickpeas with a fragrant coconut spice blend.

Rice and Salads

9. Chana Pulao

This fragrant rice dish features chickpeas cooked with basmati rice, mint, and a medley of spices. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side for festive occasions.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, basmati rice, cinnamon, cloves, mint, lemon juice.
• Method: Sauté spices and rice, then simmer with chickpeas until fluffy.

10. Indian Chickpea Salad

A fresh and tangy salad packed with chickpeas, veggies, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or side dish.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, onion, lime juice, and cumin.
• Method: Toss chickpeas and veggies with lime juice, cumin, and a pinch of salt.

11. Chickpea Salad with Yogurt Dressing

This creamy salad combines chickpeas with a vegan yogurt dressing, cucumber, and lime juice. The yogurt and lime bring a refreshing tanginess that perfectly complements the earthy chickpeas.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, cucumber, vegan yogurt, cumin, lime juice.
• Method: Mix chickpeas and veggies with a yogurt dressing for a refreshing dish.

Creative Chickpea Recipes You’ll Love

12. Curried Chickpea Sandwich

This hearty sandwich combines chickpeas with spices and veggies for a flavorful filling. It’s a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal on the go.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, spices.
• Method: Mash chickpeas with spices and veggies, then spread on bread or wraps.

13. Tandoori Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are stuffed with tandoori-spiced chickpeas and topped with vegan yogurt. The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements makes this dish a standout dinner option.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, sweet potatoes, tandoori masala, vegan yogurt.
• Method: Roast sweet potatoes, fill with spiced chickpeas, and drizzle with yogurt.

14. Beetroot and Chickpea Stir Fry

A quick and nutritious dish with beetroot, chickpeas, and Indian spices, perfect as a side or light meal. The vibrant colors and earthy flavors will brighten up any dinner plate.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, beetroot, cumin, garam masala, chili powder.
• Method: Stir-fry beetroot and chickpeas with spices until tender.

15. Chickpea Stew

A warm and hearty stew with chickpeas, carrots, and cabbage simmered in Indian spices. It’s a wholesome meal that’s perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rice.

• Ingredients: Chickpeas, carrots, cabbage, turmeric, cumin, garam masala.
• Method: Cook chickpeas and veggies in a spiced broth until rich and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

That concludes our list of Indian chickpea recipes. As you can see, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to Indian dishes that call for chickpeas.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a quick snack, a hearty lunch, or a healthy dinner; there’s an Indian chickpea recipe for you!

Your only job now is to decide what to make first!