Chickpeas vs. Garbanzo Beans

Are you preparing to make some hummus or a vegetarian strew? Maybe you want to make some chickpea-stuffed potatoes, or even better, some veggie burgers!

Chances are, you'll find both chickpeas and garbanzo beans at your local supermarket. 

But what's the difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans? Are they the same thing?

Chickpeas Vs. Garbanzo Beans: The Only Difference

There's only one difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans: their name. Other than that, they're the same thing, and the name is used interchangeably depending on where you live.

To understand why chickpeas may be called garbanzo beans, you have to first understand how they're categorized. 

Legumes are either oilseed or non-oilseed, and non-oilseed legumes are classified into pulses and undried legumes. Chickpeas fall into the category of pulses, along with dry peas, dry beans, and lentils. 

To further complicate things, there are two types of chickpeas: kabuli and desi. Kabuli chickpeas are large with a thin seed coat, while desi chickpeas are small with a thicker seed coat.

Kabuli chickpeas are more common in the US, while desi chickpeas are mainly grown in India and some countries in the Middle East. So, there's a high chance the chickpeas you're buying at the store fall into the Kabuli category.

In the western parts of the US, kabuli chickpeas are often called garbanzo beans, but they're the same as the ones labeled chickpeas. It's only a matter of different places and what they call the beans.

Different Kinds of Chickpeas Sold at the Market

You'll likely find chickpeas sold canned or dried in the legume section of your local supermarket. 

Canned chickpeas aren't raw, so they're ready to use without cooking. They're more convenient if you're in a hurry and great for salads because they don't need any preparation. 

You can also use canned chickpeas to make hummus if you're in a pinch. However, they won't have the same nutty kick that dried peas have-the long storage causes them to lose some of their taste.

On the other hand, dried chickpeas are sold raw and whole. Before cooking them, you need to soak them in water overnight and then boil them in water and salt. Some people also remove their skin before using them for hummus to get a smooth texture, but that's an optional step.

It's true that dried chickpeas are a bit of a hassle to use, but they provide a better flavor because they're fresh.

How to Use Chickpeas in the Kitchen

Chickpeas are some of the most versatile ingredients you can have in your pantry. They're protein-packed and nutritious, so they're a nice addition to any salad or dish. Here are some ideas for using chickpeas in the kitchen:

• In bean-based burgers or fritters.
• To make hummus or similar dips.
• In vegetarian soups and stews.
• In green salads, grain salads, or pasta salads.
• As a roasted snack instead of dry nuts.
• As stuffing in quesadillas or tacos.

Chickpea-Based Recipes to Try for Your Next Dinner

If you want chickpeas to be the main character of your next dinner, there are plenty of recipes to try out. Here are some recipes that your family will love:

• Cabbage and Chickpeas
• Sweet and Spicy Chickpeas
• Marry Me Chickpeas
• Crispy Chickpeas
• Chickpea Stew
• Kale and Chickpea Salad