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Cooked chickpeas in a white bowl with cilantro in the background.

How To Cook Dried Chickpeas

Learn how to soak and cook dried chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) using an Instant Pot, on the stove, or in a slow cooker with this ultimate guide.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Soaking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Course: Other
Cuisine: All
Servings: 6 cups of cooked chickpeas
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pick any dirt or stones from the dried chickpeas. Give it a quick rinse.

Long Soak Method:

  • Take the chickpeas in a large bowl or pot and add sufficient water. The chickpeas absorb a lot of water and become almost triple in size after soaking. So, it is important to add lots of water.
  • Cover and let it soak for at least 8 hours (or overnight). Drain and rinse once soaked.

Quick Soak Method:

  • Take lots of water in a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and add the dried chickpeas.
  • Give it a quick stir, cover and let it sit for one hour. Drain and rinse once soaked.

Instant Pot Method:

  • Add the soaked chickpeas to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Add six cups of water and salt.
  • Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot in 'Bean/Chili' mode for 20 minutes. Do a natural pressure release.
  • For unsoaked chickpeas, set the Instant Pot in 'Bean/Chili' mode for 1 hour and do a natural pressure release.

Stovetop Method:

  • Take soaked chickpeas in a large pot and cover with several inches of water. Add salt and give it a quick stir.
  • Bring it to a boil and cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for the steam to escape. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours or until the chickpeas are done to your liking. Check once every 30 minutes to ensure there is sufficient water.

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method:

  • Add the soaked chickpeas to the pressure cooker. Add six cups of water and salt.
  • Cook on high for two whistles, then reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pressure come down naturally.

Slow Cooker Method:

  • Add the soaked chickpeas and salt to the slow cooker. Pour enough water into the slow cooker to cover the chickpeas by about two inches.
  • Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until they're tender to your liking. You can check on them occasionally and add more liquid if needed.

Notes

  • Don't skip the soaking, as it significantly reduces cooking time. Aim for at least 8 hours, or use a quick soak method.
  • Where possible, use filtered water to boil the chickpeas.
  • Adding salt while boiling the chickpeas will enhance their flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 791mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4mg
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