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.
