Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a dish that's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Introducing the "Simplest Slow Cooker Chickpeas"—the ultimate vegan recipe that will transform your meals and impress your guests! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create tender, creamy chickpeas that serve as the perfect base for salads, grain bowls, or even as a delightful side dish. Dive into this recipe and discover the magic of slow cooking, where flavors meld beautifully and convenience reigns supreme. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully sort through the dried chickpeas, removing any small stones or damaged beans. Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dust or debris.
- Place the rinsed chickpeas into the slow cooker basin. Add 4 cups of fresh, cool water, ensuring the chickpeas are completely submerged.
- Sprinkle salt over the chickpeas. If desired, add the optional cumin for additional flavor, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. Allow chickpeas to cook slowly for 7-8 hours, which will ensure they become tender and creamy.
- After cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the chickpeas rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps them absorb any remaining liquid and become more flavorful.
- Drain any excess liquid using a colander. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or cumin to preference.
- Serve warm as a side dish, or use in salads, grain bowls, or as a base for other recipes. Chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Sort and Rinse: Always take the time to sort through your dried chickpeas before cooking. This ensures you remove any small stones or damaged beans that could ruin your dish. Rinsing them thoroughly under cool water helps eliminate dust and debris, making for a cleaner final product.
- Submerge Completely: When adding water to the slow cooker, make sure the chickpeas are fully submerged. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
- Flavor Boost: While salt is essential, don’t hesitate to get creative! Adding spices like cumin can enhance the flavor profile of your chickpeas. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Cook Low and Slow: For the best results, set your slow cooker to the low heat setting. This allows the chickpeas to become perfectly tender and creamy—trust the process!
- Rest Before Draining: After the cooking time is up, let the chickpeas rest for 10-15 minutes. This extra step allows them to absorb any remaining liquid, making them even more flavorful.
- Adjust Seasoning: Once drained, taste your chickpeas and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or cumin can make a big difference!
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, making them a great option for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
