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    Home » Recipes » PASTA & NOODLES

    Sam TurnbullAuthor: Sam Turnbull Updated: March 7, 2025

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas

    4.97 from 55 votes
    | 87 Comments
    Save Saved! Pin Comments ↓ Jump to Recipe

    If you follow my Instagram stories, then you might have seen my many failed attempts at trying to make ladyfinger cookies. Traditional ladyfingers are made with whipped egg whites, so I thought, that's an easy peasy sub, just use our new friend aquafaba. It turns out these cookies were not my friends and did not want to cooperate. So after 3 failed attempts, 8 spongey cookies consumed, and a mountain of leftover chickpeas, I had to form a new plan of attack. Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas! And what a lovely plan it was.

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    When it comes to cooking, I truly think the mistakes tend to guide you (if you let them), this unintended recipe, was a very, very, very good idea! Just 20 minutes to make this easy, creamy, zesty lemon, peppery, totally addictive chickpea dish.

    Holy smokes these chickpeas are delicious! It took everything in me not to polish off the entire pan myself. Perfect as a side served with salad and some potatoes or rice, spooned over pasta, or as a scrumptious open faced sandwich on top of toast. You're going to want these saucy chickpeas everywhere!

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    More news: Now that my cookbook Fuss-Free Vegan has been released for pre-order (OMG still losing it with excitement!!!), I have a bit more time on my hands so you're going to see things changing and improving on the blog, starting with today's new recipe layout. What do you think? Notice the cool new feature where you can change the servings, then the recipe sorts out the math for you! I 'm diggin' it.

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    To make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas: Sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent and beginning to brown. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir and cook for an additional 30 seconds to heat up the flour.

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Add in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and stir scraping up the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add in the chickpeas and bring to a simmer.

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in the coconut milk. If you find your sauce a little too thick, you can add more broth to thin, and if you find your sauce a little too thin, just cook down a bit more. Garnish with cilantro or parsley before serving.

    Creamy Lemon Pepper Chickpeas. Just 20 minutes to whip up this favour-packed vegan side dish. Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. #itdoesnttastelikechicken

    4.97 from 55 votes
    (click stars to vote)

    CREAMY LEMON PEPPER CHICKPEAS

    Perfect on pasta, toast, or served with a salad and potatoes. 
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 15 minutes mins
    Total: 20 minutes mins
    Servings: 4
    PRINT PIN Save Saved! COMMENT

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ yellow onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, (gluten-free if preferred)
    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • 1 lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1, 19oz can chickpeas (about 2 cups), drained and rinsed
    • ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk
    • small handful cilantro or parsley, chopped
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onion turns translucent and begins to brown, about 5 minutes.
    • Sprinkle in the flour and stir and cook for an additional 30 seconds to heat up the flour. Now add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to remove on any stuck on bits. Stir in the chickpeas and bring to a simmer. Cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
    • Stir in the coconut milk. If you find your sauce a little too thick, you can add more broth to thin, and if you find your sauce a little too thin, just cook down a bit more. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 30.1g | Protein: 8.5g | Fat: 9.5g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Sodium: 516.4mg | Fiber: 7.7g | Sugar: 5.5g | Vitamin C: 17.3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg

    ⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?

    I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕
    Author: Sam Turnbull
    Cuisine: American
    Course: Side Dish

     

    Bon Appetegan!

    Sam.


    If you liked this recipe you might also like:

    « Baked Almond Snacking Cheese
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen says

      July 04, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I just kept going back for more. Great recipe which I will certainly make again.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 13, 2019 at 10:19 am

        Wonderful! Thrilled you loved it so much, Jen!

        Reply
    2. Sugeey Pinto says

      June 29, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      Okay so I made this recipe as one of my "peasant meals" which is what I refer to the meals I have to resort to Google to survive off the last few ingredients left before heading to the grocery store. So luckily I had all these ingredients and just added rice. It was gooood! My husband said peasant meals are always the best ... I decided to make it again after grocery shopping on a bed on mini penne pasta along with frozen green beans, and canned yams. Now that knocked it out of the park!!! It was amazing combo. So glad I found your recipe! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 03, 2019 at 2:18 pm

        Aww that's wonderful Sugeey!! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much and I hope you enjoy many more of my recipes 🙂

        Reply
    3. Andrew says

      June 21, 2019 at 11:19 am

      This recipe is a keeper! I made a double batch earlier in the week and have enjoyed it for several meals since. I didn't have Cilantro on-hand at the time so I am looking forward to making it again with this addition. By the way, Great Job on the website! There are so many recipes that I want to try.(this was my first).. I am looking forward to picking up your book and watching your videos as well!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 24, 2019 at 3:41 pm

        Thank you so much, Andrew! So happy you enjoyed this recipe and I hope you enjoy many more 🙂

        Reply
    4. Bobby says

      March 23, 2019 at 1:04 am

      This was so delicious!!! I added about 1/4 cup of shredded ginger. It was amazing!!!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        March 26, 2019 at 9:35 am

        So happy you enjoyed!

        Reply
    5. Deborah says

      January 10, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious. I was looking for a recipe to use up an excess of lemons and chickpeas, and it was a great coincidence to find yours! I served it over rice, and also wanted to consume the entire pan full. Congratulations on creating such a wonderful dinner.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        January 14, 2019 at 10:38 am

        So thrilled you loved it so much, Deborah 🙂

        Reply
    6. Teresa Loughlin says

      October 28, 2018 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is soooooo good!!! My omnivore hubby just asked me to make it again tomorrow so he can have it for his dinner! Thank you Sam.
      I just order your book cannot wait to get cooking!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 29, 2018 at 10:19 am

        Yay! So happy you enjoyed the chickpeas Teresa, and I hope you love the book even more! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jordi Taylor says

      October 14, 2018 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      Made this, and absolutely loved it! Added artichokes to the recipe and served with a side of asparagus, but will have to try some of the other variations people mentioned in the comments! LOVED all the sauciness of it, it'd make a great pasta dish.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 19, 2018 at 6:28 pm

        So happy you enjoyed it so much, Jordi 🙂

        Reply
        • Dominique G says

          January 21, 2020 at 8:09 pm

          5 stars
          I made this tonight and it is delicious. I served it with bow tie pasta. The sauce is incredible. I will be experimenting with it on other dishes. Thank you for sharing theisnon IG today.

        • Sam Turnbull says

          January 22, 2020 at 6:01 pm

          Wonderful! So happy you enjoyed 🙂

    8. Gemma says

      August 05, 2018 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing.... I've stopped eating to post! I added 'buttery' mushrooms and served with asparagus.... Delish! Thanks so much x

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        August 06, 2018 at 10:39 am

        You're most welcome, Gemma! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

        Reply
    9. Erin says

      July 09, 2018 at 11:14 am

      5 stars
      I made this for the fam last night, Sam, even though I confess I had my doubts about it. Of course, I was being ridiculous––all your recipes turn out well. (Indeed, earlier in the day I made your Ultimate Vegan Chocolate Cake––always a hit.) This recipe was no exception. Lucky for the fam I summoned up a modicum of self-restraint and left some for them. Next time I'm going to try adding chopped kale. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        July 11, 2018 at 4:40 pm

        Hahahaha you're too cute! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Erin 🙂

        Reply
    10. Julianne says

      June 07, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Aboso-freaking delicious! The sauce.is perfect and so simple.that I was able to.make it with a 6 week old in tow. So perfect, Samantha. Thank you for another great dinner.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 08, 2018 at 4:43 pm

        You're most welcome, Julianne, so happy you enjoyed it so much!

        Reply
      • Bethany says

        November 19, 2019 at 11:01 pm

        5 stars
        I've just made this and it was amazing. I accidentally added too much garlic (I'm a huge fan of garlic, but this was heaps) but the recipe still came out great. I don't cook with lemon too much and this was so tasty.

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          November 25, 2019 at 6:11 pm

          Thrilled you enjoyed it!

    11. Johanna B. says

      June 03, 2018 at 9:57 am

      5 stars
      This is our go to recipe when we don't know what side dish to add to our food. The chickpeas are sooo creamy and yummy and lemon+pepper is such a great combination. 10/10 would recommend to anyone.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        June 03, 2018 at 11:33 am

        Yay! So happy you love this one so much, Johanna. It's a staple in my house too 🙂

        Reply
    12. LeeAnn says

      May 18, 2018 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      Good stuff! I cooked some chopped broccoli in the sauce along with the chickpeas, gave it one more hit of lemon at the end, and served over rice. Will definitely make again- so quick and easy!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 19, 2018 at 6:12 pm

        Awesome! Thrilled you enjoyed it, LeeAnn 🙂

        Reply
    13. jill says

      November 06, 2017 at 2:05 am

      5 stars
      This is my favorite recipe of the month by far! I've made different variations of it. Today I swapped out the coconut milk for nutritional yeast and a little extra veggie broth. LOVE. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        November 06, 2017 at 12:49 pm

        You're most welcome, Jill! So happy you found a new fave 🙂

        Reply
    14. Lucy says

      October 01, 2017 at 12:03 am

      5 stars
      This was really good. I served it on top of a baked potato with a side of brussels sprouts.

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        October 01, 2017 at 9:41 am

        Sounds delish! SO happy you enjoyed, Lucy 🙂

        Reply
    15. Srivani says

      May 24, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      Chickpeas & lemons... what's not to love??? This recipe is awesome tasty and super easy! Served over cauli-pots (mashed cauliflower/potatoes). Another hit!!!!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 25, 2017 at 10:13 am

        Woohoo! So happy you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    16. Marsha says

      May 03, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to make and simply delicious! I served it over pasta (with plenty of extra fresh ground pepper) and it was a big hit. Reminded me of a seafood dish I used to love before I stopped eating sea critters. Thank you for sharing your experiments with us!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        May 04, 2017 at 8:44 am

        Woohoo!! So happy you loved it, Marsha! 😀

        Reply
    17. Lisa Chakerian says

      April 26, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      Love this! I also love the # of servings calculator!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 27, 2017 at 8:31 am

        Woohoo! So happy to hear it 🙂

        Reply
      • Chrissy says

        May 30, 2017 at 1:38 pm

        4 stars
        Agree - this is delicious and easy, and the servings calculator is awesome!

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          May 30, 2017 at 2:26 pm

          Thank you!

    18. Ashlea says

      April 26, 2017 at 4:27 pm

      Hi Sam! This looks great, and I'm definitely making this soon but I'm wondering how you would serve this? Over rice? Or just as is with potatoes and salad in the side? Thanks for all you do!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 26, 2017 at 4:46 pm

        Hi Ashlea! I had corrected a typo in this post, and now realise that I had deleted half of the post by accident. Oops! It's restored now, so you can see both in the post and in the recipe itself that I have a few recommendations. Rice or potatoes would be great, as well as on top of pasta, or on toast. Omnomnom!

        Reply
    19. Tonia Ollerton says

      April 26, 2017 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good. It's one recipe where I won't have to double the sauce to satisfy my hubby who always likes lots of sauce so he can mix it in with the rice or mashed potatoes, really anything I serve with the saucy dish. I'm so loving your recipes!

      Reply
      • Sam Turnbull says

        April 26, 2017 at 4:44 pm

        Hahaha! I too like a saucy dish! I hope you and your husband love it, Tonia 🙂

        Reply
    20. Dorrie says

      April 26, 2017 at 11:20 am

      Love the new feature to adjust the recipe ingredients to servings! Thank you!
      I think I will try the chickpea recipe tonight!

      Reply
      • Dorrie says

        April 26, 2017 at 11:28 am

        Also - full fat coconut milk - the canned version, correct? Not the refrigerated coconut milk?

        Reply
        • Sam Turnbull says

          April 26, 2017 at 11:40 am

          Great! Yes, the canned kind. Enjoy! 🙂

    Newer Comments »
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