
Dried chickpeas cooked from scratch are genuinely one of the most satisfying pantry wins you can pull off, and the Instant Pot makes the whole process nearly hands-off. The combination of smashed garlic, a bay leaf, and a touch of cumin gives these beans a quietly aromatic depth that canned versions simply can't match. For anyone navigating a nightshade-free lifestyle, chickpeas are a brilliant staple — naturally free of tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, and endlessly versatile once you have a batch ready to go. The ingredient list here is clean and straightforward, so there's no guesswork about hidden seasonings or problematic add-ins. After a 40-minute pressure cook and a natural release, you're left with perfectly tender, creamy chickpeas that hold their shape beautifully. Don't toss the cooking liquid — it's rich and savory, and works wonderfully stirred into soups or stews. Cool any extras on a sheet pan before storing and you'll have a protein-packed base ready for salads, grain bowls, or a simple drizzle of olive oil all week long.
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Sort through the dried chickpeas and discard any shriveled ones or small stones. Rinse under cold running water in a colander until the water runs clear.
Add the rinsed chickpeas, water, kosher salt, smashed garlic, bay leaf, ground cumin, and olive oil, if using, to the Instant Pot insert.
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