Chickpeas are versatile ingredients in various dishes, from salads to stews to dips. However, some people may be unable to eat chickpeas due to sensitivity or dietary restrictions. Finding the best chickpea substitutes that provide a similar texture and flavor is essential in these cases.
Some popular chickpea substitutes are white beans, cannellini, or navy beans. These beans have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a great alternative in recipes like hummus or falafel. Another option is lentils, which can replace chickpeas in soups and stews.
Quinoa can substitute chickpeas in dishes like salads or grain bowls for those seeking a gluten-free option. Other options include roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes, which can add bulk and texture to dishes like curries or tagines.
Best Chickpea Substitutes in Cooking
1. Lentils
Lentils are one of the best chickpea substitutes in many recipes. They are versatile legumes that can be used in soups, stews, salads, and more. Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a healthy choice for those who want to add more plant-based foods to their diet.
Lentils are much smaller than chickpeas, so they cook faster and are easier to blend into a smooth consistency. This makes them an excellent choice for recipes like hummus or falafel.
There are many different types of lentils, each with a unique flavor and texture. Brown lentils are the most common variety for soups and stews. Red lentils are softer and cook faster, making them a good choice for purees and dips. Green lentils hold their shape well when cooked and are a good choice for salads and side dishes.
2. Black Beans
Black beans are an excellent substitute for chickpeas, especially in Mexican and Latin American dishes. They have a similar texture and taste and are rich in protein and fiber.
Black beans can be used in various ways, such as soups, salads, burritos, and tacos. They can also be mashed and used as a dip or spread, similar to hummus.
When using black beans as a substitute for chickpeas, it’s important to remember that they have a slightly different flavor profile. They are slightly sweeter and less nutty than chickpeas but still provide a delicious and nutritious alternative.
Here are some ideas for incorporating black beans into your meals:
- Black bean soup with avocado and cilantro
- Black bean and corn salad with lime dressing
- Black bean and sweet potato burritos with salsa and guacamole
- Black bean dip with tortilla chips or veggies
Black beans are a versatile and tasty alternative to chickpeas and can add a delicious twist to your favorite dishes.
9 best black bean substitutes to use in recipes
3. Fava Beans: One of the best chickpea substitutes
Fava Beans are also known as broad beans and are a common ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
One of the benefits of using fava beans as a chickpea substitute is that they have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that can complement a variety of dishes. They are also versatile and can be used in many of the same ways as chickpeas, such as in salads, soups, stews, and dips.
Fava beans can be purchased fresh or dried. If using fresh fava beans, they will need to be shelled and blanched before using. Dried fava beans must be soaked overnight and then cooked until tender.
Here are some ways to use fava beans as a chickpea substitute:
- Make a fava bean hummus by blending cooked beans with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
- Add cooked fava beans to a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Use fava beans in a vegetarian chili instead of chickpeas.
- Puree cooked fava beans with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to make a dip for vegetables.
Fava beans are a delicious and nutritious alternative to chickpeas. They offer a unique taste and texture that can add variety to any dish.
4. Pinto Beans
Pinto beans are an excellent substitute for chickpeas, as they have a similar texture and can easily be used in place of them to make dishes such as hummus or falafel. Pinto beans can be cooked from dry or used canned for a quick and easy option. Recipes such as burritos, soups, chili, and salads ideally incorporate this delicious legume into your meals.
Recipes that use pinto beans as chickpea substitute:
- Pinto Bean Stew: Cook pinto beans, onions, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices with vegetable broth for a delicious one-pot meal.
- Pinto Bean Burritos: Combine cooked beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices for a flavorful filling. Serve on whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps for a delicious low-carb option.
- Pinto Bean Hummus: This vegan-friendly dip is creamy and full of flavor. Combine cooked pinto beans, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice with olive oil and seasonings for a delicious dip or spread. Serve with vegetables, crackers, or chips for an easy snack!
- Pinto Bean Falafel: Mix cooked pinto beans with garlic, onion, herbs, and spices for a flavorful falafel mixture. Shape into balls or fritters and fry in oil until crispy on the outside.
5. Split Peas
Split peas are an excellent substitute for chickpeas in many recipes. They are a type of field pea that has been dried and split in half. They are high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, making them a healthy and filling option.
Split peas can be used in various dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. They have a slightly different texture than chickpeas but can be mashed or blended to create a similar consistency.
One advantage of split peas over chickpeas is that they cook much more quickly. They can be cooked in as little as 30 minutes, compared to the 1-2 hours required for chickpeas. This makes them a great option for quick weeknight meals.
Also, split peas are often less expensive than chickpeas, making them a budget-friendly option. They are also widely available in most grocery stores.
Here are a few recipes that use split peas as a substitute for chickpeas:
- Split Pea Hummus: Mash cooked split peas with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a tasty dip.
- Split Pea Soup: Cook split peas with vegetables and broth for a hearty soup.
- Split Pea Salad: Toss-cooked split peas with vegetables, herbs, and a vinaigrette for a healthy and flavorful salad.
6. Edamame Beans
Edamame beans, a famous Japanese snack and ingredient, are a great alternative to chickpeas for anyone with a chickpea allergy.
Extremely high in protein and fiber, edamame beans are rich in flavor without overpowering – they can add subtle freshness and sweetness to any dish. Edamame can also be boiled, steamed, or added to soups and stir-fries as an additional source of flavor. They also freeze well, so you can always have portions ready.
Recipes that use Edamame beans as a substitute:
- 1. Edamame Quinoa Bowl: Combine cooked quinoa, edamame beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and spices with some olive oil to make a delicious and nutritious bowl.
- Edamame and Avocado Salad: Combine edamame beans, diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing.
7. White beans
White beans are a great option for those looking to add an alternate source of fiber and protein into their diets while still avoiding chickpeas.
Not only are they packed with essential nutrients, but their subtle, mild flavor makes them easy to include in a wide range of dishes. White beans can make a tasty addition to salads and soups, as well as creamy dips or savory stews.
They are also versatile enough to be used in place of chickpeas in recipes that require boiling or baking. With these many uses, white beans can be a nutritious and delicious replacement for chickpeas when allergies are present.
Recipes that can replace white beans for chickpeas:
1. White Bean and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Simply blend cooked white beans, tahini, garlic, roasted red peppers, and lemon juice to make a creamy dip that’s perfect for pita chips or vegetables.
2. White Bean and Spinach Soup: This comforting and delicious soup is perfect for chilly winter nights! Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and spinach before adding white beans, vegetable broth, and spices. Let it all simmer until the vegetables are tender, and garnish with your favorite herbs.
3. White Beans with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil: Combine cooked white beans with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil in a skillet. Let it all simmer together until the flavors have melded together.
8. Soybeans & Soybean Products (such as tofu)
For those who cannot eat chickpeas due to allergies or sensitivities, soybeans, and soybean products can be great substitutes. From savory stir-fries to delicious dessert recipes, tofu is a popular ingredient because it is healthy and versatile in the kitchen.
Soybeans can be cooked using various methods and served as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or used as an alternative to ground beef in tacos and other dishes. With all these creative possibilities, soybeans and soybean products is a fantastic replacement for those who cannot consume chickpeas.
Recipes that use soybeans and soybean products:
1. Tofu stir-fry: Combine cooked vegetables, such as bell peppers and mushrooms, with crumbled tofu and seasoning for a delicious meal. Serve over rice or quinoa for added flavor and texture.
2. Soybean Curry: Simply sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding cooked soybeans, curry paste, and coconut milk. Let it all simmer until the flavors melded together for a delicious dinner.
Non- Bean Chickpea substitutions
9. Quinoa
Quinoa is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be prepared as an alternative to chickpeas for those with allergies. It’s a great source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids.
For a delicious protein-packed snack, quinoa can be incorporated into dishes like salads, soups, and baked goods. With so many options available, quinoa makes health-conscious cooking deliciously simple!
10. Cashews
Cashews are an excellent alternative for those who can’t tolerate chickpeas. They have a mild flavor that works well in many dishes – from savory to sweet.
You can use them in roasted dishes, curries, salads, stir-fries, cakes, and cookies. Cashews are also protein-rich and provide essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
These benefits make cashews a great choice whether you’re trying to replace chickpeas or just want to make delicious meals.
11. Tempeh
Tempeh is an exciting alternative to chickpeas, originating in Indonesia with a nutty flavor. It is made by fermenting cooked soybeans with a Tempeh starter, creating a cake-like form with a dense texture.
It is high in protein and dietary fiber, contains essential vitamins and minerals, and can be served as an excellent substitute for dishes that call for chickpeas.
Unlike chickpeas, tempeh can be cooked in even more savory ways such as frying, baking, or grilling.
12. Tofu
Tofu is a popular vegan and vegetarian-friendly ingredient that can easily substitute chickpeas in dishes. It is made from curdled soybean milk, which makes it a perfect source of protein this contains various essential vitamins and minerals.
Tofu has a spongy texture, making it highly versatile; it can be mashed in dressings, diced for stir-fries, grilled as part of kebabs, or even blended into smoothies.
Best chickpea substitutes for curry
The best chickpea substitute for curry can be cannellini beans or lentils. Cannellini beans are similar in texture to chickpeas but have a milder flavor profile that can blend well with the spices used in curry dishes.
Lentils are also a great option and can be cooked quickly, making them an ideal substitute for time-sensitive recipes. These legumes provide excellent nutrition and add protein and fiber to any dish. They can be quickly cooked into curries, soups, stews, and more, making them a great alternative to chickpeas.
Best Chickpea substitutes in salads
In salads, a great alternative to chickpeas is edamame. Edamame beans are small, green soybeans that have a slightly sweet flavor and provide an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
They make a healthy addition to any salad and can be cooked quickly in the microwave or stovetop. Consider using Edamame and Pinto beans as the best chickpea substitutes in salads.
Low-carb substitutes for chickpeas
For those looking for a low-carb alternative to chickpeas, cauliflower is an excellent choice.
Cauliflower can be grated or chopped into small pieces and then boiled or steamed until tender. Its mild flavor makes it the perfect substitute for chickpeas in salads, curries, and other dishes where chickpeas may be called for.
Additionally, since cauliflower is much lower in carbs than chickpeas, it is the perfect choice for those following a low-carb diet.
Chickpea alternative for hummus: Best chickpea substitutes for hummus
If you’re looking for a delicious substitute for chickpeas in hummus, consider using white beans.
White beans are mild-tasting and blend easily with other ingredients like tahini, garlic and lemon juice to create a creamy, flavorful dip or spread.
They can also replace chickpeas in recipes that require boiling or baking, making them incredibly versatile.
Using white beans instead of chickpeas, you can rest assured that your hummus will be tasty and nutritious.
The best Chickpea substitutes
When it comes to substituting chickpeas in recipes, several options are available. While each substitute has its unique taste and texture, they can all be used in various dishes.
White and black beans are great options for those looking for a taste and texture similar to chickpeas. Lentils and split peas are also good choices, but they may have a slightly different texture.
For those with dietary restrictions, such as those following a low-carb or paleo diet, nuts and seeds can substitute chickpeas. These substitutes may have a different taste and texture, but they can still add a delicious and nutritious element to a dish.
Overall, it is essential to experiment with different substitutes to find the best option for each recipe. Whether it’s white beans, lentils, or nuts and seeds, plenty of options suit any taste or dietary need.
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