Have you ever found yourself craving a delicious bowl of chickpeas but don’t have the time or patience to cook them on the stovetop? Well, look no further because I have the perfect solution for you – cooking chickpeas in the microwave! Yes, you read that correctly. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked chickpeas in a fraction of the time. So, put on your chef hat and let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup of dried chickpeas
– Water for soaking
– Salt (optional)
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Soaking the Chickpeas
The first thing you’ll need to do is soak the dried chickpeas. This step is crucial as it helps to soften the chickpeas and reduce the cooking time. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Rinse the chickpeas:
Take the dried chickpeas and give them a good rinse under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities.
2. Soak the chickpeas:
Transfer the rinsed chickpeas to a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to completely cover them. For every cup of dried chickpeas, you’ll need about three cups of water. Soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3. Drain and rinse:
Once the chickpeas are done soaking, drain the water and give them another rinse. Now, we are ready to move on to the cooking process.
Cooking the Chickpeas
Now comes the exciting part – cooking the chickpeas in the microwave. Follow these simple steps:
1. Place the chickpeas in a microwave-safe bowl:
Transfer the soaked and rinsed chickpeas to a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the chickpeas and leave enough space for them to expand while cooking.
2. Add water and salt (optional):
Pour enough water into the bowl to cover the chickpeas. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to enhance the flavor of the chickpeas. However, this step is completely optional.
3. Microwave on high:
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate and place it in the microwave. Cook the chickpeas on high power for 10 minutes.
4. Stir and continue cooking:
After the first 10 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chickpeas. This will help ensure even cooking. Place the bowl back in the microwave and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
5. Check for doneness:
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and test the chickpeas for doneness. They should be tender yet firm to the bite. If they are still slightly undercooked, give them an extra few minutes in the microwave.
6. Drain and cool:
Once the chickpeas are cooked to perfection, drain the excess water from the bowl. Allow them to cool slightly before using them in your desired recipe.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chickpeas in the microwave is not only quick and easy but also produces tender and flavorful results. With these simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked chickpeas ready to be used in salads, stews, curries, or any other dish of your choice. So, the next time you’re short on time but still craving some chickpeas, give this microwave method a try. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!