Chickpeas vs. Garbanzo Beans—What’s the Difference?

What’s the key ingredient in hummus? Is it chickpeas—or perhaps garbanzo beans? Are they truly the same, or is there a distinction between chickpeas and garbanzo beans?

Learn whether garbanzo beans and chickpeas are actually identical, and discover how you can use them in easy and delicious recipes.

What Sets Chickpeas and Garbanzo Beans Apart?

The simple truth—chickpeas and garbanzo beans are one and the same. These two names refer to the same type of pulse, which is essentially the seed of a legume plant.

The term chickpea isn’t linked to chickens at all—it's derived from the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum. On the other hand, garbanzo likely originates from the Basque word for the plant: garbantzu. Different regions use one name or the other, with chickpeas more commonly used in the East, while garbanzo beans are favored in the western U.S.

Chickpeas come in two main varieties. The Kabuli variety, which is the round, light-colored chickpea you’ll typically find at the store, is grown in the U.S. The second variety is Desi, a smaller, darker chickpea grown in the Middle East and India.

However, these variety differences have no bearing on the names used for them. Chickpeas and garbanzo beans can be used interchangeably.

Alternate Names for Chickpeas

While chickpea and garbanzo bean are the most commonly used names for this widely loved pulse, there are many other names for it. You might also hear them called ceci beans, chichi beans, gram, chana, or Egyptian pea.

Tasty Recipes Featuring Chickpeas or Garbanzo Beans

There’s an abundance of recipes you can create with chickpeas or garbanzo beans—even using the liquid they’re packed in if you're using canned chickpeas. This liquid, known as aquafaba, can serve as an egg white substitute and can even be whipped into a vegan meringue.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes that use chickpeas or garbanzo beans, including some for dessert!

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Substitute chickpeas for tuna in this vegetarian-friendly twist on the classic tuna salad. It’s a quick and easy lunch that takes only 10 minutes to prepare!

Chickpea-Harissa Stew with Meatballs

For a quick and easy dinner with minimal cleanup, this Moroccan-inspired stew with lamb meatballs and chickpeas is a winner. Harissa paste and Moroccan spices (ras el hanout) bring heat, while a scoop of Greek yogurt adds a refreshing tang.

Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Warming spices like cinnamon and cumin infuse the chickpea filling with bold flavors, making this a quick and satisfying dinner. The best part? It takes only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time.

Chickpea "Cookie Dough" Bites

Chickpeas for dessert? With the right flavors, these mild legumes can mimic the taste of oatmeal-raisin cookie dough, all while being safe to eat raw and healthier too.

Chickpea and Chorizo Salad

This salad, perfect for picnics, brings the essence of Spanish tapas with ingredients like smoked paprika, chorizo, and roasted peppers, all complemented by a generous amount of chickpeas.

Five-Minute Hummus

Hummus is likely the most well-known dish made with chickpeas. It's so easy to whip up that you'll never feel the need to buy it pre-made again. Simply blend chickpeas with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini to taste—and feel free to throw in extra ingredients and spices, such as smoked paprika, to kick it up a notch.

Smoky Roasted Chickpeas

Craving a crunchy, spicy snack? This simple roasted chickpea recipe is just what you need. The smoked paprika adds not only a bold flavor but also a vibrant color.

Chickpea Veggie Burgers

Chickpeas are a fantastic meat substitute in a quick and tasty veggie burger recipe. For an extra kick, load up on harissa paste to bring some heat.

Lemon-Pepper Tofu with Apricot-Chickpea Salsa

This plant-based dish is elevated by a vibrant apricot-chickpea salsa, served on a bed of couscous. With most ingredients being pantry staples, this quick (just 15 minutes of prep!) and effortless meal is ideal for even the busiest evenings.