How to Cook Dried Garbanzo Beans or Chickpeas

Cooking dried garbanzo beans - while it may take some time - is a great way to save money on your grocery bill. All it takes is a little pre-planning and an hour at home while the beans gently simmer on the stove. Use the garbanzo beans (chickpeas) in vegetarian recipes like falafel, hummus, or bean curries.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dried garbanzo beans
• a large pot

1. Measure the amount of beans to cook. Garbanzo beans will roughly double in size after cooking - so if you need 4 cups of beans measure 2 cups of dried beans to prepare.

2. Place dry beans in a bowl that is large enough to allow for the beans to expand. Fill the bowl with water to at least 3 inches above the beans. Place in the refrigerator and let soak several hours or overnight.

3. Drain beans in a colander. Place beans in a large stockpot and cover with fresh water to at least 3 inches above beans.

4. Bring beans to a boil on the stove, then turn down heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are thoroughly cooked but not mushy, about one hour. Drain and enjoy as you would canned beans.

Tips & Warnings

• You may add seasonings - like salt, pepper, and a bay leaf - to the cooking water if desired.
• This method can apply to other types of dried beans such as kidney and black beans.

[dpenguin]

on 10/3/2009 I don't know about garbanzos, but I know with many dried beans, adding salt before they are tender will prevent them from ever reaching tenderness. Just a note :)