Genius Ways To Use Canned Chickpeas

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Having canned chickpeas in the pantry is a great way to stockpile a multi-use item without much effort. This post shares genius way to use canned chickpeas when on a tight budget.

I hear you now. You’re all “I know what to do with chickpeas. Add them to a salad or turn them into hummus. What else do I need to know?”

Oh friend! There’s so much more to this inexpensive protein. Because canned chickpeas are cooked in the can, you can use them right away for quick dinners. But there are other magical things you can use them for, when it comes to feeding your family. Let me show you.

Chickpeas As An Egg substitute

Did you know that the liquid in canned chickpeas can be used as a substitute for eggs? The liquid is called aquafaba, and is used as an egg substitute in baking. Use one tablespoon of aquafaba to substitute one egg yolk, 2 tablespoons to replace an egg white, and 3 tablespoons to replace a whole egg.

Falafel Dinner – Ultimate Canned Chickpeas Meal

I’m sure you figured this would be on the list, but you can’t forget the famous falafel! This cheap and easy dinner will be a family favorite. Yes, kids will love this recipe. It’s basically baked (or fried) deliciousness. Plus, if they end up not liking it? It was an inexpensive experiment.

Here’s our recipe for falafel: Easy Falafel Recipe

Hummus Sauce For Pasta

I’m sure you’ve either had hummus, or made hummus. This delectable dip made from chickpeas has lots of different ways to make it amazing. Add roasted peppers or garlic to the mix to take it to the next level.

But have you ever used hummus as a sauce? Tossing hot pasta with hummus is a unique way to get more protein into a very simple meal. We add a bit of the pasta water to thin out the hummus, and then we throw the cooked pasta in with the dip.

{Related: Genius Ways To Use Canned Cranberry Sauce}

Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas just might be the easiest snack you’ll ever make. Drain the canned chickpeas (save the liquid for baking!), gently dry the garbanzo beans with a paper towel, season (we love to use garlic salt and paprika), and bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.

You’ll be excited with the results. An easy treat for any movie night or after-school snack.

Chickpeas and Scrambled Eggs

Don’t make that face! You will be shocked at how good this combination tastes. This is also a high protein breakfast, which is perfect for those who are looking to follow low-carb lifestyles. 

There’s nothing spectacular you have to do to the chickpeas. Place a few of them in the scrambled eggs, as they cook in the skillet. That’s it!

Chickpea Blondies

While we mentioned using aquafaba for baking, you can also use the actual can of chickpeas to make amazing desserts. Blondies are a fun treat to make with chickpeas.

Similar to using black beans to make brownies, this recipe can be one you keep in your arsenal when you have a sweet tooth, but not enough ingredients to bake your usual favorites.

The Kitchn has an awesome recipe for chickpea blondies, and it’s pretty simple to make.

{Related: Genius Ways to Use Carrots}

I hope this post helped you see how vital a can of chickpeas can be in your home when you’re working with a small grocery budget. Canned chickpeas are a pantry staple you can’t deny.