How to dry chickpeas in your instant pot: the 5-minute secret for perfect beans

If you’re a fan of chickpeas and want to save time and effort in preparing them, an Instant Pot is your culinary ally. This versatile kitchen appliance makes it a breeze to dry chickpeas, resulting in tender, flavorful legumes that can elevate your dishes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of how to instant pot dry chickpeas, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound of dried chickpeas
• 6 cups of water

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rinse and Sort the Chickpeas

• Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander or strainer to remove any dirt or debris.
• Sort through the chickpeas, discarding any that are discolored or damaged.

2. Soak the Chickpeas (Optional)

• Soaking chickpeas overnight is not necessary for Instant Pot cooking, but it can reduce the cooking time.
• If you choose to soak, cover the chickpeas with water in a large bowl and let them rest for 8-12 hours. Drain the water before proceeding.

3. Add Water to the Instant Pot

• Pour 6 cups of water into the Instant Pot insert.

4. Add the Chickpeas

• Add the rinsed and sorted chickpeas to the water in the Instant Pot.

5. Secure the Lid and Set the Pressure

• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
• Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and adjust the timer to 20 minutes.

6. Cook the Chickpeas

• The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before it starts counting down the cooking time.
• Once the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and switch to “Keep Warm” mode.

7. Allow Natural Pressure Release

• Let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow the pressure to release naturally. This will help prevent the chickpeas from becoming mushy.

8. Quick Release Remaining Pressure

• After 10 minutes, carefully move the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

9. Drain the Chickpeas

• Open the lid of the Instant Pot and drain the chickpeas in a colander.

10. Dry the Chickpeas

• Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C).
• Dry the chickpeas for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally, until they are completely dry and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Dry Chickpeas

• For a faster drying time, use a food dehydrator instead of an oven.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
• Stirring the chickpeas during drying will help them dry evenly.
• Dry chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Using Dry Chickpeas

• Dry chickpeas can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, salads, and snacks.
• They can be ground into flour to make hummus, falafel, or other chickpea-based dishes.
• Dry chickpeas are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.

Alternatives to Drying Chickpeas

• If you don’t want to dry chickpeas yourself, you can buy them pre-dried in stores.
• Canned chickpeas are another convenient option, but they may be softer than dried chickpeas.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I skip soaking the chickpeas before cooking them in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, soaking is not necessary for Instant Pot cooking, but it can reduce the cooking time.

Q: How long will it take to dry the chickpeas in the oven?
A: The drying time will vary depending on the oven temperature and the amount of chickpeas you are drying. It usually takes 4-6 hours.

Q: How can I tell if the chickpeas are dry enough?
A: The chickpeas are dry enough when they are crispy and break easily when you bend them.

Q: How long can I store dry chickpeas?
A: Dry chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Q: What are some ways to use dry chickpeas?
A: Dry chickpeas can be used in soups, stews, salads, snacks, and other dishes. They can also be ground into flour to make hummus, falafel, or other chickpea-based dishes.