These insanely creative canned chickpea recipes are lifesavers when you’re trying to use up what you’ve got on hand.

Even as a meat eater, I love adding chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, to my meals for a protein boost. They are drained from a can. Save that aquafaba for vegan mayonnaise or meringue. They’re ready to eat, easy to use, and mild enough to pair with almost anything savory. From no-cook lunches, you can create a variety of meals. These include quick and easy dinner ideas. These chickpea recipes prove just how versatile this inexpensive and nutritious ingredient is in the kitchen.

Here, you’ll find chickpeas in both meaty recipes and meatless recipes. I try to make them weekly to save money in an ever-expensive world. We have chickpea salads in abundance. They can be tossed with leafy greens. They can also be mixed in pasta. Chickpeas can be used as a meat substitute in chicken and tuna salads. There are recipes where chickpeas take center stage, as in hummus, falafel, burgers or meatballs. Anyone looking for an especially hearty dinner will love the chickpea and meat-filled stews, chilis and one-pot meals. Check out all the variety. You’ll surely find a new favorite recipe to use up a can of chickpeas.

Taste of Home