After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend more time than you have to in the kitchen. Chances are you’re not making slow-roasted lamb or homemade pasta every night for dinner – not that you wouldn’t like to, of course, but realistically who has the time? That’s where your pantry staples come in. There is so much you can do with tinned chickpeas – you can roast them or blend them; they work with just about everything. Did we mention that chickpeas are also incredibly cost-effective?

Homemade Hummus

An obvious first choice, but an obvious one for a reason. Hummus is more than just a delicious dip, it’s also the perfect spread for your sandwiches and the perfect dressing for your next harvest bowl. It’s quick to make and even quicker to eat; tinned chickpeas really do come in handy when that hummus craving hits.

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Chorizo, Bean & Tomato Soup with Crunchy Chickpeas

Soups aren’t exclusively for winter. If you have a tin of chickpeas chilling in your pantry, you can make a bowl whenever you want. It’s comforting, it’s easy, it’s flavourful, it’s everything you want in a soup and more. All you really need is some smoky chorizo, butter beans, veggies, and tinned chickpeas. Serve with toasted sourdough bread for an even more filling and satisfying meal. A truly, easy weeknight dinner.

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Parmigiana di Melanzane

Chickpeas are fantastic served plain and simple, but when roasted, they can provide incredible texture to some of your favourite dishes. This version of an Italian classic, Parmigiana di Melanzane, shows you how. Simply slice your aubergine and bake in the oven or air fryer, layer them with a classic red sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbling hot. Once ready, remove it from the oven, and top with basil pesto for a fresh bite and crunchy chickpeas for a texture. Absolutely divine, and even better with a glass of red wine!

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Vegan Roast Veggie Bowl with Quinoa & Crunchy Chickpeas

Another wholesome dish made even better with crunchy chickpeas; not only a great addition to this Roast Veggie Bowl, they can also be enjoyed as a light snack. Simply drain any excess brine, season with cumin and/or paprika, drizzle with avocado oil, mix through and roast in the oven (use a separate tray). Combine with cooked quinoa and serve with guacamole on the side – simple, healthy and delicious.

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Quinoa Salad With Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Talk about a meal packed with protein! The ingredients in this warm salad require minimal effort in terms of prepping, making this a relatively easy dinner or lunch idea. The cauliflower and tinned chickpeas can be tossed into the same sheet pan, seasoned to your liking and then roasted until done. Pick your favourite quinoa, toss it in the pan with some stock and wait until it’s done. It really is that easy. This meal will be in your weekday rotation, we promise.

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Indian-Spiced Chickpea And Courgette Burgers

Whether you’re trying to eat less meat or are living a plant-based lifestyle, this burger recipe is one you want to have on hand. Delicious, nutritious and easy to make, this Indian-inspired burger goes big on flavour, but is low on effort. Another example of why tinned chickpeas should always be in your pantry.

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Check out our legumes & pulses recipe round-up.