Chickpea recipes are some of my favourite things to eat. They are packed with protein, fibre and minerals, and they bring a comforting heartiness to any dish. Beyond nutrition, they’re also one of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your kitchen. You can turn them into dips, soups, curries, burgers, or simply roast them for a crunchy snack.

While canned chickpeas are convenient, cooking dried chickpeas from scratch is on another level: the flavour is richer, the texture creamier, and they’re far more economical.

If you haven’t tried it yet, my guide to How to Cook Dried Chickpeas will show you how simple it is…

How to Cook Dried Chickpeas

Here are the key steps from my guide:

  • Soak overnight. Give your dried chickpeas at least 8 hours (or overnight) in plenty of water. They’ll swell up, so make sure the water covers them generously.

  • Simmer gently. Drain, rinse, and cook in fresh water for about 1½ to 2 hours, depending on how soft you like them. Skim off any foam that appears on the surface.

  • Test for doneness. Bite into one: it should be soft and creamy, not hard in the middle.

  • Cool and store. Drain them (saving the cooking liquid if you’d like), then portion into containers. Chickpeas freeze beautifully, so you can always keep some ready for quick meals.

Cooking a big batch and freezing in cup-sized portions makes life much easier—you’ll have the convenience of canned chickpeas with all the benefits of homemade.

Vegan Chickpea Recipes You’ll Love

Once you’ve got your chickpeas cooked, the fun begins. Here are some of my favourite vegan chickpea recipes that really showcase their versatility.

Chickpea & Mushroom Burger Recipe

Sometimes you just want something hearty you can bite into, and this chickpea burger is exactly that. Chickpeas combine with mushrooms, herbs, onion, tahini and even a little apple for moisture and flavour. Grilled or baked, these burgers are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and perfect with your favourite toppings. Here is my Chickpea & Mushroom Burger recipe.

Smoked Paprika Hummus Recipe

This is my go-to hummus recipe whenever I want something creamy and satisfying with a smoky kick. The blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon and smoked paprika creates a velvety dip that works beautifully as a spread or snack. It’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Here is my Smoked Paprika Hummus recipe.

Smoked paprika hummus recipe with chickpeas by Anastasia, Kind Earth

Spicy Vegan Sweet Potato Soup with Chickpeas

When I’m in need of comfort, this soup does the trick. Sweet potatoes pair perfectly with chickpeas, coconut, tomato and warming spices, creating a nourishing bowl that’s both soothing and energising. It’s a one-pot wonder, easy to adapt to your preferred level of heat. Here is my Spicy Soup with Chickpeas recipe.

spicy sweet potato soup gluten-free vegan

5-Minute Chickpea Curry Recipe

For busy days, this quick chickpea curry is a lifesaver. Using cooked chickpeas means this vibrant curry can be on the table in about 15 minutes. With leeks, mushrooms, sweet potato, coconut milk, tomatoes and aromatic spices, it’s full of flavour and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that fast food can still be nourishing.

Here is my 15 Minute Chickpea Curry recipe.

15 minute vegan chickpea curry recipe

Final Thoughts

Cooking chickpeas from dried is a small act of love that pays off in taste, texture and nourishment. Once you have a batch ready, you can turn them into so many delicious vegan meals: a smoky hummus to snack on, a spicy soup to comfort you, a quick curry for busy nights, or hearty burgers for when you want something substantial.

I hope these recipes inspire you to embrace chickpeas in new ways. Whether you’re cooking them from scratch or using them straight from a jar or tin, they’re truly one of the most versatile foods in the plant-based kitchen.