Silvia
Spiced chickpeas in a skillet are a simple and flavorful vegetarian dish.
Perfect when you’re craving something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen!
With the aroma of spices and the rich flavor of tomatoes, you can turn simple chickpeas into a delicious dish, perfect for serving with bread or alongside other dishes for a flavorful lunch or dinner.
An easy recipe made with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Skillet Chickpeas: A Simple and Versatile Dish
Skillet chickpeas are a great way to prepare a flavorful dish with just a few ingredients, especially when you’re short on time and want to use already-cooked chickpeas.
You can serve them as a side dish alongside other vegetarian recipes or make them the star of your meal by pairing them with grains, vegetables, or a slice of bread.
In this version, cumin and chili pepper give the chickpeas a spicy flavor, while tomato paste adds a richer, more robust taste without the need to prepare a separate sauce.
Spiced Chickpeas in a Skillet: Ingredients
Serves 2:
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1 can of chickpeas (8 oz / 230 g drained)
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 onion
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tomato paste
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cumin
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chili pepper.
Preparation
This recipe is incredibly quick and requires just a few ingredients, as you’ve seen. You don’t even need to add salt, and you can use the liquid from the canned chickpeas, too!
First, slice the onion and sauté it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once golden, add about 1 cup of water to soften it. Meanwhile, why not prepare the first course? I suggest stewed artichokes and potatoes.
Now add the chickpeas along with their liquid, a squeeze of tomato paste, a sprinkle of cumin, and a pinch of chili pepper. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. While you wait, you can prepare a tasty tomato salad.
And they’re ready!
Spiced Chickpeas in a Skillet: Tips and Variations
Spiced chickpeas in a skillet can be customized in several ways: you can change the spices, add herbs, or adjust the cooking method slightly to achieve a different texture.
Skillet Chickpeas with Onion and Rosemary
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can prepare skillet chickpeas with onion and rosemary. Sauté the onion in extra virgin olive oil until softened, add the cooked chickpeas, and season with a few sprigs of rosemary.
You can keep the tomato paste or leave it out for a simpler version, allowing the herbs to be the main source of flavor.
Crispy Skillet Chickpeas with Paprika
To make crispy chickpeas in a skillet, you’ll need to adjust the original cooking method.
Drain and thoroughly dry the chickpeas, then sauté them in a large skillet with a little olive oil and sweet or smoked paprika. Spread them out in a single layer and let them turn golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Unlike the spiced chickpeas with tomatoes, this variation doesn’t use the liquid from the can. The goal is to achieve a drier, golden-brown exterior.
Skillet Chickpeas with Breadcrumbs
Another idea is to prepare chickpeas with breadcrumbs, which add a pleasant crunch.
Season the cooked chickpeas with olive oil and herbs, then add a small amount of breadcrumbs and stir until golden brown. For this variation, it’s best to use well-drained chickpeas and avoid adding too much liquid.
Curry-Spiced Chickpeas
If you love bold flavors, you can replace the cumin with a curry powder blend.
For a creamier version, you can also add a little unsweetened coconut milk and let the chickpeas simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. This creates a dish that’s different from the original recipe and perfect for serving with rice.
If you enjoy this combination, you’ll also find my guide on how to cook rice and chickpeas on the blog.
Nutritional Benefits of Spiced Chickpeas in a Skillet
Chickpeas are legumes that provide plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. They also contain minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins, including folate.
In this recipe, extra virgin olive oil provides unsaturated fats, while onion, cumin, and chili pepper enhance the flavor of the dish.
I chose to serve my spiced chickpeas with a tomato salad not only for its flavor but also for nutritional reasons. Chickpeas contain non-heme iron, a form of iron found in plant foods that is more difficult for the body to absorb than heme iron. Vitamin C helps improve the absorption of non-heme iron during a meal.
Raw tomatoes provide vitamin C and can therefore help improve the absorption of iron from chickpeas. It’s a simple and flavorful combination that also allows you to add a serving of fresh vegetables to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Chickpeas in a Skillet
Can I Use Dried Chickpeas Instead of Canned Chickpeas?
Of course! Before using them, however, you’ll need to soak and cook them until tender. Once they’re ready, you can use them in the recipe, adding a little of their cooking liquid.
If you’re not sure where to start, read my guide on how to soak and cook dried chickpeas.
Should You Rinse Canned Chickpeas Before Cooking Them?
It depends on the recipe. In this one, I also use the liquid from the can, so I don’t rinse the chickpeas.
If you prefer to drain and rinse them, you can still prepare the dish by adding a little water during cooking. Keep in mind that the liquid from canned chickpeas may contain salt, even if you don’t add any extra salt to the recipe.
For more tips, check out my article on how to cook canned chickpeas.
How Can You Make Skillet Chickpeas Creamier?
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can mash a small portion of the chickpeas with a fork during cooking and mix them with the rest. The starch from the chickpeas will help thicken the liquid.
Alternatively, you can leave a little more sauce in the skillet instead of letting it absorb completely.
How Long Can You Store Leftover Spiced Chickpeas?
If you have leftovers, transfer them to a sealed container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking, without leaving them at room temperature for too long.
For best results, eat them within 2–3 days and reheat only the portion you plan to eat, until it’s thoroughly hot all the way through.
What’s the Difference Between Spiced Chickpeas and Stewed Chickpeas?
The spiced chickpeas in this recipe are cooked until the liquid is absorbed, creating a sauce that coats the chickpeas.
Stewed chickpeas, on the other hand, generally have a softer texture and more sauce.
If you prefer the second option, try my stewed canned chickpeas with tomatoes.
Conclusion
Spiced chickpeas in a skillet are a practical way to turn a simple can of chickpeas into a flavorful dish using just a few ingredients.
You can prepare them with the original combination of cumin, chili pepper, and tomatoes or experiment with variations featuring rosemary, paprika, breadcrumbs, and curry.
Serve them with fresh vegetables and bread, or pair them with grains for a more complete meal. An easy recipe to keep in mind when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor!
