Ottolenghi's Chickpea Cooking Method
Transform your cooking game with Ottolenghi's Chickpea Cooking Method, a foolproof approach to achieving the creamiest, most tender chickpeas every time. This recipe combines the simplicity of pantry staples—dried chickpeas, baking soda, water, and salt—with a time-honored soaking and simmering process that delivers restaurant-quality results at home. The key lies in using baking soda to break down the chickpea skins, ensuring quicker cooking and an irresistibly smooth texture perfect for hummus, stews, or salads. With minimal hands-on effort and just a little patience, you’ll have perfectly cooked chickpeas that are freezer-friendly and ready to elevate any meal. Ideal for plant-based diets, meal prepping, or simply exploring the versatility of legumes, this method is a must-try for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
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Ingredients
- 250 g Dried chickpeas
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1.5 L Water
- 1 tsp Salt
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the dried chickpeas under cold running water to remove any debris or dust.
Step 2
Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water, about three times their volume. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8-12 hours.
Step 3
After soaking, drain the chickpeas and rinse them well.
Step 4
Add the soaked chickpeas to a large pot, along with 1.5 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Step 5
Bring the pot to a vigorous boil over high heat, skimming off any foam or skins that rise to the surface.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to medium and let the chickpeas simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until they are very tender and soft. The baking soda helps to break down the skins and speed up the cooking process.
Step 7
Once cooked, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot and stir. Let the chickpeas sit in the salty water for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.
Step 8
Drain the cooked chickpeas and let them cool slightly before using them in your recipe or storing them. They can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1782.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 910 |
| Total Fat 15g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3724.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 152.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 42.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 27.5g | |
| Protein 47.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 353.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2187.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories