Top 10 chickpea recipes

1. Chickpea curry

Give a humble tin of chickpeas an injection of Indian spice and make our easy chana masala. This simple bowl of veggie goodness makes a filling main or super-satisfying side dish. Try a vegan version with our southern Indian kadala curry or take a boring baked potato to the next level with a chickpea curry topping.

Even more chickpea curries...

Pumpkin curry with chickpeas
Tomato & chickpea curry

2. Chickpea salad

Whether they're simple side dishes or taking centre stage on the dinner table, chickpea salads can be as quick or complex as you like. Try our no-cook chickpea salad, which you can plate up in just 10 minutes. Use a touch of harissa, fresh tomatoes and crunchy red onion to liven up this easy dish. Add some Mediterranean veggies and a crumbling of feta to create our warm chickpea salad or go the whole hog with a slab of salty halloumi.

Even more chickpea salads...

Moroccan aubergine & chickpea salad
Bean, chickpea & feta salad

3. Hummus

A bowlful of creamy hummus is a thing of beauty, and we just can't resist a dip. Our quick version can be blitzed and ready for snacking on in just 12 minutes. It makes a fab filling for a pitta stuffed with falafel or an essential part of a party meze mix. Try our easy variations like our lemon & coriander version and you'll never go back to shop-bought – try these five healthy hummus recipes.

Even more hummus recipes...

Harissa-spiked hummus
Luxury hummus

4. Chickpea hash

Give yourself a break from the washing up and try our wondrous sweet potato, chickpea & chorizo one-pan. The great thing about a hash is that it's a delicious mishmash of whatever ingredients you have to hand. Feel free to substitute and swap as you like. Need an even speedier midweek option? Try our Indian chickpeas with poached eggs for an easy meal for two. Bring this dish to life with the sprinkling of a few choice spices and that all-important runny yolk.

Even more chickpea hashes...

Spicy Moroccan eggs
Moroccan meatballs with eggs

5. Chickpea wraps

Give your meal a Mexican twist with our spiced chickpea fajijtas. This Tex-Mex treat has it all – crispy chickpeas, creamy guacamole and a quick pickled salsa for a tangy topping. Wrap up four of your 5-a-day in our healthy roasted chickpea wraps stuffed with avocado, roasted red pepper and crunchy salad. Watch the family wolf down this filling veggie DIY dinner.

Even more chickpea wraps...

Lamb & chickpea fritter wraps
Spicy vegetable fajitas

6. Chickpea burgers

Treat yourself to a vibrant veggie burger made with a coriander-spiced chickpea patty. This healthy dinner option is great for a summery barbecue or a fun DIY supper with all the trimmings. Dollop on some chilli sauce for an extra kick and serve with fluffy seeded buns. Add in some extra veggies to create our sesame-scented carrot & chickpea burgers. Dress them up or down for a casual meal with friends. Spread on the lemony yogurt and creamy avocado for an indulgent dish for entertaining.

Even more chickpea burgers...

Falafel burgers
Lamb & chickpea pitta burger

7. Chickpea bakes

Need a no-fuss crowd-pleasing meal you can throw together with standard kitchen staples? Our budget-friendly tomato & chickpea bake gives you four of your 5-a-day in one dish. Try our vegan-friendly make-ahead roast summer vegetable stew for a simple, healthy dinner. Eat it with hunks of bread to mop up the tomato sauce.

Even more chickpea bakes...

Nduja-baked hake with chickpeas, mussels & gremolata
Summery stuffed squash

8. Falafel

Pair these easy falafels with soft flatbreads, creamy hummus and crunchy pink pickles for a magnificent meze lunch or sharing starter. These crisp healthy bites are spiced with sumac, coriander and cayenne pepper. Jazz up this famed veggie classic with vibrant beetroot and a tahini yogurt dip. Our beetroot falafels are simple to make and add an irresistible pop of colour to your plate.

Even more falafel recipes..

Sweet potato falafels with coleslaw
Falafel tabbouleh with lemon yogurt

9. Chickpea soups

Bulk up a meagre lunchtime offering with our Moroccan chickpea soup. Take a tin of tomatoes, a tin of chickpeas and some well-chosen spices to create this warming veggie soup. It takes just five minutes to prep and is best served with warm coriander flatbreads for dipping. For another flavour-packed pocket-friendly soup, you can't beat our Indian chickpea & vegetable recipe.

Even more chickpea soups...

Red lentil, chickpea & chilli soup
Bean & barley soup

10. Chickpea stews and casseroles

No one could resist this bowlful of aromatic North African flavours. This Moroccan chickpea, squash & cavolo nero stew has real depth of flavour and is perfect for feeding the family. It's healthy, low-calorie and comforting all at the same time. Keep it casual with our Spanish-inspired storecupboard chorizo & chickpea stew. Serve it up as part of a tapas spread, or simply with some toasted sourdough bread. Plate it up in just 15 minutes for a speedy supper that's bound to satisfy.

Even more chickpea stews...

Chorizo, pork belly & chickpea casserole
Italian chickpea stew

Enjoyed these recipes? Check out our other budget meal ideas...

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What's your favourite recipe for a tin of chickpeas? Leave a comment below...

As many countries urge populations to stay at home, many of us are paying more attention to our diets and how the food we eat can support our health. To help sort out the fact from the fiction, BBC Future is updating some of their most popular nutrition stories from their archive.