Chickpeas are one of the best things you can keep in the store cupboard. They’re cheap, they last for ages, and they turn into everything from a warming curry to a batch of hummus in no time at all. A tin costs very little, and if you switch to dried chickpeas it’s even more economical.
They’re good for you too — chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre, and they bring folic acid, iron and zinc to the table as well. That makes them a brilliant way to stretch a family meal further without losing out on nutrition.
Here are our favourite cheap chickpea recipes that are packed with flavour (and protein!) — all tried, tested, and popular with kids and grown-ups alike.
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Tasty Chickpea Recipes to Try
Warming Chickpea Stew
This Warming Chickpea Stew uses minced meat, is cheap to make, and is packed full of flavour. Make a double batch and freeze the rest for a busy night later in the month.
Chickpea Curry With Rice
Image courtesy of Food Network
This Indian-spiced Chickpea Curry recipe from The Pioneer Woman is easy to whip up and ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve it with basmati rice and naan bread.
Tip: Finish it off with a sprinkling of fresh parsley if your kids aren’t too keen on coriander.
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Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Chorizo Stew
This Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Chorizo Stew is really easy to throw together and makes a perfect midweek dinner. It’s a regular in our house — really yummy, and easy to reheat for lunch the next day.
Herby Chickpea Balls With Tomato Sauce
Image courtesy of BBC Good Food
For a veggie alternative to meatballs, try these Herby Chickpea Balls With Tomato Sauce from BBC Good Food. You can use stale bread whizzed up for breadcrumbs and make a quick tomato sauce using passata.
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Crispy Oven Baked Falafels
Image courtesy of Thekitchn.com
Make these delicious Crispy Oven Baked Falafels using tinned chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic and a few herbs. Make a big batch for dinner one night, then enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day — served in pita bread with yogurt or tzatziki, lettuce and cucumber.
Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta e Ceci)
This Pasta with Chickpeas (Pasta e Ceci) recipe is a real budget-friendly family dinner, adapted from Jamie’s Italy by Jamie Oliver.
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Chickpea Burger Recipe
Image courtesy of Food.com
Try this yummy Chickpea Burger Recipe from Food.com. Grated carrot adds extra veg, and store cupboard spices give the burgers plenty of flavour.
One Pot Lemon Pasta With Chickpeas
Image courtesy of VNutrition
This vegan One Pot Lemon Pasta recipe from VNutrition is super easy to make and ready in about 15 minutes. Leeks, spinach, peas and chickpeas all go in together for a genuinely healthy midweek meal.
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Store Cupboard Chickpea Stew
This easy Store Cupboard Chickpea Stew can also be made vegetarian — just leave out the bacon lardons. It’s cheap and quick to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have to hand.
Chickpea Nuggets
Image courtesy of Thekitchn.com
These Chickpea Nuggets look just like chicken nuggets but are vegan and need only six store cupboard staples. Serve them falafel-style with yogurt, pita and salad, or let the kids dip them in ketchup.
Quick and Easy Hummus
This quick and easy hummus recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 people as a tasty lunchtime snack served with carrots, celery and pitta bread. It keeps for around 4 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yes, you read that right — Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies! They take about 5 minutes to prep, and because they’re full of fibre and protein, they make a genuinely healthier treat.
You May Also Enjoy: These Crispy Chickpeas Are Great for a Healthy Snack
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chickpeas a cheap way to add protein to family meals?
Yes — tinned chickpeas are one of the most affordable ways to bulk up a meal with protein and fibre, and dried chickpeas work out even cheaper if you’re happy to soak and cook them yourself.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of tinned in these recipes?
Yes, in most cases. Soak dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before using them in place of a tin. They’ll need a bit more planning ahead, but they’re the most economical option.
Are these chickpea recipes suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Many of them are naturally vegetarian or vegan, including the hummus, falafel, nuggets and lemon pasta. A few, like the chorizo stew, include meat but can often be adapted — just leave out the meat and adjust seasoning to taste.
How long does homemade hummus keep?
Homemade hummus keeps for around 4 days in the fridge if stored in a sealed container.
Related Articles You Might Enjoy
- 10 Super Tasty And Easy Store Cupboard Recipes
- 11 of the Best Vegetarian Recipes for a Meatless Monday
- 10 Tempting Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Perfect for Family Dinner
- 9 Simple Pasta Recipes For Kids
- These Crispy Chickpeas Are Great for a Healthy Snack
Save These Recipes For Later
Chickpeas make it easy to put together a cheap, filling family meal without much planning. Bookmark this page or pin your favourite recipe above so you’ve always got a budget-friendly dinner idea ready to go.
Do you have a tasty chickpea recipe your family loves? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
