Substitutes For Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a popular legume that is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian cuisines. Whether you’re making hummus, falafel, or a hearty stew, chickpeas are an essential ingredient that adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to your dishes. However, if you’re out of chickpeas or have a dietary restriction that prevents you from consuming them, you’ll need to find an appropriate substitute. In this article, we’ll explore 10 substitutes for chickpeas that you can use in your recipes.
Substitution For Chickpeas
Lentils
Lentils are a versatile legume that can be used as a substitute for chickpeas in many recipes. They have a similar texture and flavor profile, but they cook faster than chickpeas, making them a convenient option when you’re short on time. Lentils are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
Black beans
Black beans are another legume that can be used as a substitute for chickpeas. They have a rich, earthy flavor and a creamy texture that makes them ideal for dishes such as chili, soups, and stews. Black beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a nutritious alternative to chickpeas. See some substitutes for black beans if it’s something you frequently cook with.
Cannellini beans
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor that makes them a great substitute for chickpeas. Cannellini beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
Navy beans
Navy beans are small, oval-shaped beans that have a mild flavor and a creamy texture. They can be used as a substitute for chickpeas in recipes such as hummus, salads, and stews. Navy beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a nutritious alternative to chickpeas.
Edamame
Edamame is a type of soybean that is commonly eaten as a snack or appetizer in Japanese cuisine. However, it can also be used as a substitute for chickpeas in recipes such as hummus, salads, and stir-fries. Edamame has a nutty flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, making it a unique alternative to chickpeas.
Green peas
Green peas are a versatile vegetable that can be used as a substitute for chickpeas in many recipes. They have a sweet flavor and a soft, starchy texture that makes them ideal for dishes such as soups, stews, and curries. Green peas are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious alternative to chickpeas. Check out some excellent substitutes for peas that are actually good.
Tofu
Tofu is a soy-based product that is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes. However, it can also be used as a substitute for chickpeas in dishes such as hummus, salads, and stir-fries. Tofu has a mild flavor and a soft, creamy texture that makes it a great alternative to chickpeas.
Mung beans
Mung beans are a small, green legume that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture that makes them a good substitute for chickpeas. Mung beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your meals.
Fava Beans
Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They have a meaty texture and a slightly nutty flavor that works well in salads, dips, and spreads. Fava beans are also high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious choice for your meals. Fava bean is actually a really good source of proteins but substitutes for fava bean are equally good and could substitute it even for chickpeas.
White Beans
White beans, such as navy beans, cannellini beans, or Great Northern beans, are a great substitute for chickpeas. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them an excellent option for hummus, salads, and soups. Additionally, white beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
While there could be many more substitutes for chickpeas which could perfectly replace chickpeas in most recipes, from my experience the above listed substitutions for chickpeas are actually the best. They replace chickpeas in most recipes in manner that other alternatives are unable to do and that is why I had to limit the list of chickpeas substitutes to them alone. What other substitutes do you think could replace it that I didn’t include?
