Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried? I couldn't find any dried at the store. If so, how much should I use, and should I still do any soak...

...ing

Laura
  • Posted by: Laura
  • August 12, 2014
  • 11291 views
  • 7 Comments
Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi's Basic Hummus
Recipe question for: Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi's Basic Hummus

7 Comments

ATG117
ATG117 August 15, 2014
It will taste good, but not genius. If you want the full affect of the recipe, use the fresh chickpeas.
 
CarlaCooks
CarlaCooks August 13, 2014
I actually made this with canned chickpeas the other day, and it still turned out really tasty. I used 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, added 2 cloves of garlic, salt, juice from 1/2 lemon, and 1/2 cup tahini. I added just enough cold water to get a creamy texture. Enjoy!
 
Greenstuff
Greenstuff August 12, 2014
While your hummus will be delicious with canned chickpeas, you should note that their method of cooking the dried chickpeas is quite specific, designed to make especially creamy hummus. Yours won't be quite so creamy, not quite so "genius." But canned chickpeas and beans are lifesavers when we don't have time to soak and cook.
 
Laura
Laura August 12, 2014
Thanks! That's what I was mostly worried about. I've never made hummus before and this is such a highly touted recipe that I wanted to make it just right. So the canned ones won't make a difference in flavor, but might impact texture? Stocking up on dried beans for the next time!
 
Greenstuff
Greenstuff August 12, 2014
Yes, it's mostly the texture. There are some subtleties of taste of course, but it's the texture that makes their recipe iconic. They call it "supersmooth."
 
msmely
msmely August 12, 2014
In the recipe it states after cooking from dry you should end up with about 3 and 2/3 cups of cooked chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are already cooked, so this volume should translate directly.

The soaking is not necessary in this case. With dried beans the soaking step is necessary only to shorten the time spent boiling the beans.
 
Laura
Laura August 12, 2014
Thank you! I saw the amount after posting this. I was mostly worried about the result since the recipe is so specific. I think I have my answer now. Thanks again!
 
Recommended by Food52

Popular on Food52