Food

Chickpea Tacos Recipe: Easy Vegan Chickpea Tacos

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: May 24, 2022 • 2 min read

Chickpea tacos are a vegetarian alternative to popular Mexican tacos, which usually contain beef, pork, or fish. The crispy chickpeas add crunch to the dish, while the taco seasoning contains the same flavors as those of a classic taco.

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What Are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular legume used in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Uncooked chickpeas have a creamy interior, while roasted chickpeas develop a crispy and crunchy texture. Using canned chickpeas can help you pull together weeknight dinners quickly, but dried chickpeas also work for most recipes.

What Are Chickpea Tacos?

Chickpea tacos are a meatless version of a classic Mexican taco. Season the chickpeas with all the same flavors you would beef tacos: cumin, chili powder, and paprika, for example. Roast the chickpeas with your spices of choice if you want a crispy chickpea filling or toss creamy canned chickpeas in the seasonings for a soft filling.

To enhance the flavor and bulk of your taco filling, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, black beans, or roasted sweet potatoes. To keep the dish vegan, top the tacos with vegan sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. Use flour tortillas if you prefer a chewy texture or corn tortillas if you want a gluten-free option.

Chickpea Tacos Recipe

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makes

prep time

10 min

total time

50 min

cook time

40 min

Ingredients

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Drain a can of chickpeas.

  3. 3

    Place the chickpeas on a sheet pan.

  4. 4

    Toss the chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Roast the chickpeas until they become crispy and golden brown, about 20–30 minutes.

  6. 6

    In a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

  7. 7

    Sauté the diced red onion for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

  8. 8

    Remove the chickpeas from the oven.

  9. 9

    Toss the red onions with the roasted chickpeas.

  10. 10

    Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave until they become pliable.

  11. 11

    Fill each warm tortilla with the chickpea taco filling.

  12. 12

    Garnish the tacos with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and any additional toppings of your choice.

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