Creamy Cajun Chickpeas

Name: Creamy Cajun Chickpeas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (28 g); 1 green bell pepper (diced); ½ medium yellow or white onion (diced); 2 ribs celery (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning; 2 14-oz cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed, 400 g cans); 1 14-oz can fire-roasted tomatoes (400 g); 1 cup heavy cream (236 mL); ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (55 g); 4 green onions (sliced); To serve: rice, bread

By Sarah Bond, BS Nutrition, MS Sensory Science, Published Jul 31, 2024

4.88 from 8 ratings

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30 minutes

Serves 4 servings

22 Comments

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Inspired by my many trips to New Orleans, these chickpeas are packed with bold cajun flavor! Using the holy trinity as a base, they are ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients. Serve them over rice or any way you would enjoy gumbo!

Last year I traveled to one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. I had been many times previously, but this time my goal was to learn how to make authentic cajun cuisine from a creole chef.

I learned how to develop the insane depth of flavor that cajun cuisine is known for through specific ingredient pairings like the holy trinity. After getting home and implementing these flavor tricks into my own vegetarian gumbo, I knew I could use them in a variety of other dishes. Like cajun chickpeas!

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★★★★★

“As always, your recipes are fantastic. I made this last night for my parents, who gave this an A+. Even my kids loved it! Thank you for giving me another easy weeknight meal to add to our regular rotation.” —Becky

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You’ll have this recipe on repeat

Time is spent developing flavor, not cooking a protein, thanks to chickpeas that are already cooked.
Basic pantry staple ingredients are elevated through strategic pairings and a few spices.
A versatile dish, these chickpeas are similar to a stew that can be served over rice, eaten on its own, or with some toasty bread.

Creamy cajun chickpeas in a pan with a spoon. — Every bite is bursting with different textures and that firey cajun flavor. We’re obsessed!

Ingredients for Cajun Chickpeas

If you feel like you have nothing to make for dinner, then this is the recipe for you. It uses pantry staple ingredients, so I can almost guarantee you have everything you need!

Butter: Olive oil or avocado oil will work too!
Holy Trinity + Garlic: This is made up of green bell pepper, white or yellow onion, and celery. Garlic is just delicious!
Cajun Seasoning: To make seasoning quick and easy, I like to use a storebought cajun seasoning blend (you’ll be putting it on everything)!
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes enhance the smokiness!
Cream & Cheese: Grab heavy cream and shredded parmesan to finish the dish.
Chickpeas: Any canned chickpeas or garbanzo beans (they’re the same thing!) will work. Just drain them.

What is the holy trinity?

I keep talking about this, so what is it? The holy trinity is a combination of celery, white onion, and bell peppers that is saute slowly to carmelize the natural sugar and bring flavor to a dish. It’s the southern version of mirepoix (celery, carrots, and onion), a french cooking technique. French traders and military personal often traveled to New Orleans in the 1800’s from Canada and they brought with them French cooking techniques which were then adapted by southern cooks.

Holy trinity in a pan. — Cook the holy trinity until soft and fragrant.

Chickpeas in a pan. — Cook the holy trinity until soft and fragrant.

Everything happens in one pot

If you’ve made any of my chickpeas recipes, you probably know how simple and tasty this will be. But if not, it’s just these couple steps that we’ll also walk you through throughly in the recipe card below.

Make the flavor base by sauteing the vegetables.
Add in the cajun seasoning, chickpeas, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Finish by removing it from the heat and adding the heavy cream, parmesan, and green onions.

Creamy cajun chickpeas in a bowl with rice.

serving ideas for cajun chickpeas

These can be served in a variety of ways. Over rice, with a side salad, or just with a little crispy bread.

Jicama Rice is the perfect low-carb option that also has a slight sweetness to balance the cajun spice.
Naan Bread is another one that is not traditional New Orleans cuisine but it’s very yummy for dipping into these cajun chickpeas.

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