11 Chickpea Recipes to Try, From Vegan Chicken Nuggets to Brownies

Whether you call them chickpeas or garbanzo beans, the tiny legumes pack quite the

nutritional punch. Loaded with protein (39 grams per cup!), fiber, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, chickpeas are an

affordable pantry staple that does your health and the planet good. But, what can you do with them?

Just like

tofu, chickpeas are incredibly versatile. While you can eat the

vegan protein as-is by roasting them for a snack or tossing them into your grain bowls, you can also use them to create everything from fudgy brownies to crispy "chicken" nuggets.

If you've never made chickpea recipes before, you might be staring at the can and wondering how to get started. Unlike chicken and beef, you can't exactly toss beans on the barbecue. Instead, take a look at these recipes for some delicious ways to eat the popular

vegan protein.

There's no need for beef when making tacos, which is one of the

largest producers of greenhouse gases. Instead, create a "beefy" mixture for your tacos and taco salads with mashed chickpeas, walnuts, and taco seasoning.

You can't have a roundup of chickpea recipes without hummus. This recipe is slightly different than traditional hummus. It uses a secret ingredient—baking soda!—which makes the dip even creamier.

This recipe is just like traditional tuna salad, except it uses chickpeas instead of fish. It works well on its own or as a base in a sandwich. Pro tip: It's also great for meal-prepping!

Did you know chickpea flour is a common base for gluten-free cooking? This recipe uses a can of chickpeas instead of traditional flour, but you can't tell at all. It makes the cookies perfectly soft and chewy, all while using only six ingredients.

This recipe is a perfect one-pot meal. The seasoning blend adds a great curry flavor to the soup, and the chickpeas add an important level of protein to make this stew a filling meal.

How do you make crab cakes without shredded crab? Turns out, when you mash chickpeas, they form a similar texture. You can whip up this tasty recipe in less than 30 minutes.

These chicken nuggets don't contain any animal products. Instead, chickpeas are the star of the show. Rolled in breadcrumbs then baked in the oven, they're a more planet-friendly alternative that doesn't disappoint.

If you're looking for a great pasta salad recipe, this one can come together in record time. Take your favorite pasta, some summer veggies, and a little barbecue sauce and you're good to go.

Usually, tikka masala is a curry dish made with chicken, but this recipe uses mushrooms and chickpeas instead. Seasoning is what really makes the dish stand out. Between the cumin, coriander seeds, smoked paprika, and ginger, the amazing smell will practically have you drooling.

Chickpeas... in brownies? As you can see by looking at the photo, this brownie recipe is just as delicious and fudgy as the real deal—except your body gets some extra nutrients while devouring them.

This chickpea recipe adds extra color and texture to the dish by combining beets with chickpeas. The end result is crispy perfection perfect for pita wraps, salads, and beyond.