267+ Another Name for Chick Peas: Popular Names Meanings & Uses

Chickpeas are a popular ingredient in kitchens around the world. They appear in salads, soups, curries, snacks, and many traditional dishes.

However, you may know them by a different name depending on where you live or which type of recipe you are following. If you are searching for another name for chick peas, the most common answer is garbanzo beans. Both names refer to the same edible legume.

Chickpeas also have several regional, cultural, and culinary names. Some refer to specific varieties, while others are used in different languages and food traditions.

What Is Another Name for Chick Peas?

The most common alternative name for chickpeas is garbanzo beans. You may see this name on canned food labels, grocery store shelves, restaurant menus, and recipes.

Despite the different spelling and pronunciation, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same food. They are round, edible seeds that belong to the legume family.

Chickpeas are known for their mild, nutty flavor and firm yet creamy texture. They are popular in many cuisines because they work well in both hot and cold dishes.

Here are some quick facts:

• Common name: Chickpeas
• Alternative name: Garbanzo beans
• Scientific name: Cicer arietinum
• Food group: Legumes
• Common colors: Beige, cream, black, green, and brown varieties
• Popular uses: Hummus, falafel, curries, salads, and soups

The terms chickpea and garbanzo bean can usually be used interchangeably.

15 Other Names for Chickpeas Around the World

Chickpeas have been grown and eaten across many regions for centuries. As they spread between countries and cultures, different names became common in local languages.

Here are 15 names and related terms worth knowing.

• Garbanzo Beans: The most familiar alternative name in American English.
• Bengal Gram: A common name associated with desi chickpeas, especially in South Asian cooking.
• Chana: The widely used Hindi name for chickpeas.
• Chole: A North Indian culinary term commonly used for chickpeas, especially in the popular chickpea curry.
• Kabuli Chana: A name for the larger, light-colored variety of chickpeas.
• Desi Chana: Refers to the smaller, darker variety commonly used in South Asian dishes.
• Gram: A traditional English and regional term used in some food contexts.
• Ceci: The Italian word for chickpeas.
• Pois Chiches: The French name for chickpeas.
• Garbanzos: A Spanish plural form of garbanzo.
• Nohut: The Turkish name for chickpeas.
• Hummus Beans: An informal descriptive term because chickpeas are the main ingredient in traditional hummus.
• Egyptian Peas: An older regional-style name sometimes associated with chickpeas.
• Chick Pea: An alternative two-word spelling of chickpea.
• Cicer: The Latin genus name used in the scientific classification of chickpeas.

Some of these terms are direct translations, while others refer to particular varieties or dishes. They are not all exact synonyms in every context.

Garbanzo Beans vs. Chickpeas: Are They the Same?

Yes. Garbanzo beans and chickpeas are two names for the same legume. There is no nutritional or botanical difference between them simply because the packaging uses a different name.

The difference comes mainly from language and regional food traditions.

The word chickpea developed in English from older European language forms. Garbanzo comes from Spanish and became widely used in American grocery stores and cooking.

You may find both names in the same supermarket. One package might say chickpeas, while another says garbanzo beans.

Here is a quick comparison:

Feature	Chickpeas	Garbanzo Beans
Meaning	Same legume	Same legume
Appearance	Round, beige seeds	Round, beige seeds
Flavor	Mild and nutty	Mild and nutty
Texture	Firm and creamy	Firm and creamy
Common use	Soups, salads, hummus	Soups, salads, hummus
Difference	English name	Spanish-derived name

Bottom line: You can use chickpeas and garbanzo beans in the same recipes without changing the ingredients.

Different Types of Chickpeas and Their Names

Not all chickpeas look or taste exactly the same. There are several varieties, and the names often depend on their size, color, and place of cultivation.

Understanding these varieties can help you choose the right type for your meals.

Kabuli Chickpeas

Kabuli chickpeas are the larger, round, cream-colored variety commonly found in American grocery stores.

Their smooth surface and mild flavor make them a popular choice for many everyday recipes.

Common characteristics include:

• Large, round shape
• Light beige or cream color
• Smooth outer skin
• Soft, creamy texture after cooking
• Mild, slightly nutty taste

They work especially well in hummus, Mediterranean salads, roasted chickpea snacks, and soups.

Desi Chickpeas

Desi chickpeas are smaller than Kabuli varieties. They usually have a darker brown, black, or greenish outer coating.

They are widely used in South Asian cooking and are often sold whole or split.

Their main features include:

• Smaller size
• Darker outer skin
• Rougher surface
• Stronger earthy flavor
• Firm texture when cooked

Desi chickpeas are commonly used in curries, traditional snacks, and flour production.

Black Chickpeas

Black chickpeas are often called Kala Chana in South Asian cuisine. They have a dark outer skin and a dense texture.

They are especially popular in Indian and Pakistani meals.

Popular uses include:

• Kala chana curry
• Spiced chickpea salads
• Boiled chickpea snacks
• Traditional breakfast dishes
• Homemade chana chaat

Black chickpeas are different in appearance from the larger beige variety, but both belong to the chickpea family.

Green Chickpeas

Green chickpeas are harvested while they are still fresh and immature. They have a naturally green color and a sweeter, fresher flavor than dried chickpeas.

They can be enjoyed in several ways:

• Steamed as a simple snack
• Added to vegetable curries
• Mixed into fresh salads
• Roasted with spices
• Served as a side dish

Fresh green chickpeas are seasonal in many markets, so they may be harder to find than dried varieties.

Popular Regional Names for Chickpeas

Chickpeas are used in many countries, and their names change depending on the local language.

Learning these regional names is helpful when reading international recipes, shopping at ethnic grocery stores, or exploring different cuisines.

Here are some commonly used names:

• Chana: Hindi and several South Asian food contexts.
• Kabuli Chana: Commonly used for larger, pale chickpeas.
• Kala Chana: Hindi and related South Asian usage for black chickpeas.
• Pois Chiches: French.
• Ceci: Italian.
• Nohut: Turkish.
• Garbanzos: Spanish.
• Hummus: Arabic word for chickpeas, also the name of the popular chickpea-based dip in English.
• Homos: A transliteration sometimes encountered in discussions of the Arabic word.
• Kichererbsen: German.
• Kikærter: Danish.
• Kikerter: Norwegian.
• Kikärter: Swedish.
• Cícer: Catalan.
• Grão-de-bico: Portuguese.

These names can help you recognize chickpeas in recipes from different parts of the world.

What Are Chickpeas Called in Indian and Pakistani Cooking?

In Indian and Pakistani kitchens, chickpeas are commonly called chana. However, the exact name often depends on the variety and how the chickpeas are prepared.

Some names you may see include:

• Kabuli Chana: Large, pale-colored chickpeas.
• Kala Chana: Small, dark chickpeas.
• Chana Dal: Split and hulled desi chickpeas.
• Chole: A popular chickpea curry or a name used for chickpeas in that culinary context.
• Safed Chana: White or pale-colored chickpeas.
• Bhuna Chana: Roasted chickpeas.
• Sukha Chana: A dry-style spiced chickpea preparation.
• Chana Masala: A flavorful chickpea curry.
• Hara Chana: Green chickpeas.
• Besan: Flour made from ground chickpeas, commonly from desi varieties.

One important distinction is that besan and chana dal are not whole chickpeas. They are products made from chickpeas through processing.

Common Foods Made With Chickpeas

Chickpeas are used in many popular dishes. Their mild taste makes them easy to combine with herbs, spices, vegetables, and sauces.

Here are some well-known foods made with them:

• Hummus: A creamy Middle Eastern dip made mainly from cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
• Falafel: Seasoned chickpea or fava bean patties that are shaped and fried or baked.
• Chana Masala: An Indian chickpea curry prepared with tomatoes and aromatic spices.
• Chole Bhature: A popular North Indian meal featuring spiced chickpeas and fried bread.
• Chana Chaat: A South Asian snack made with chickpeas, vegetables, spices, and tangy sauces.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy snacks made by roasting seasoned chickpeas.
• Chickpea Salad: A fresh dish combining chickpeas with vegetables, herbs, and dressing.
• Chickpea Soup: A comforting meal made with chickpeas, broth, and vegetables.
• Socca: A thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, traditionally associated with southern France.
• Panisse: A savory chickpea flour preparation popular in parts of southern France.
• Chickpea Stew: A hearty dish featuring chickpeas cooked with vegetables and spices.
• Chickpea Pasta: Pasta made partly or entirely from chickpea flour.

These dishes show how one simple ingredient can be used in many different ways.

How to Choose the Right Type of Chickpeas

Choosing the right variety depends on the recipe, texture, and flavor you want.

Here are some practical tips to help you make a good choice.

Consider the Recipe

Different varieties work better in different meals.

• Choose Kabuli chickpeas for hummus and Mediterranean salads.
• Use Kala Chana for traditional South Asian curries.
• Pick green chickpeas for fresh snacks and seasonal dishes.
• Use chickpea flour when making socca or other flour-based recipes.

Check the Appearance

Good-quality dried chickpeas should have a fairly consistent size and color.

Avoid packages containing excessive dust, damaged seeds, or signs of moisture.

For canned chickpeas, check the packaging for damage, leaks, or swelling.

Think About Texture

The texture you want can help you decide which type to buy.

• Larger chickpeas are often preferred for creamy dips.
• Smaller varieties are useful in hearty traditional dishes.
• Fresh green chickpeas provide a softer, fresher texture.
• Roasted chickpeas are ideal when you want something crunchy.

Choose Between Canned and Dried Chickpeas

Both options are useful, but they require different preparation.

Canned chickpeas:

• Ready to use after draining and rinsing.
• Convenient for quick meals.
• Useful for salads, soups, and hummus.

Dried chickpeas:

• Usually need soaking before cooking.
• Take longer to prepare.
• Allow greater control over the final texture.
• Are useful for large batches of homemade meals.

Read the Food Label

If you are shopping for chickpeas under another name, look for terms such as garbanzo beans, Kabuli chana, or Bengal gram.

Also check whether the package contains whole chickpeas, split chickpeas, or chickpea flour. These products are related but are not interchangeable in every recipe.

Nutritional Benefits of Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a nutritious food that can fit into many balanced eating patterns. They provide plant-based protein, dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, and several important minerals.

Here are some of their main nutritional benefits.

Plant-Based Protein

Chickpeas contain plant protein, making them a useful ingredient in vegetarian and vegan meals.

You can add them to salads, soups, wraps, and curries to make meals more filling.

Dietary Fiber

Chickpeas are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber supports digestive health and can help you feel satisfied after eating.

Their fiber content also makes them a useful addition to meals that include vegetables and whole grains.

Important Minerals

Chickpeas provide several minerals, including:

• Iron
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc
• Copper

These nutrients support normal body functions and help maintain overall health.

Naturally Versatile

Chickpeas are naturally gluten-free and can be used in many different recipes.

However, people with food allergies or special dietary needs should always check product labels and preparation methods.

FAQs:

What is another name for chickpeas?

The most common alternative name is garbanzo beans. Both names refer to the same edible legume. In South Asian cooking, chickpeas are also commonly called chana.

Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same thing?

Yes. Garbanzo beans and chickpeas are exactly the same food. The difference is simply the name used in different languages and regions.

What are chickpeas called in India?

Chickpeas are commonly called chana in India. Larger, light-colored varieties are known as Kabuli chana, while smaller dark varieties are called Kala chana.

What is the difference between chickpeas and Bengal gram?

Bengal gram is a name commonly associated with desi chickpeas. The term can also refer to split and processed forms of the crop, depending on the context. It is important to check whether a recipe calls for whole chickpeas or split gram.

Are chickpeas beans or peas?

Despite their names, chickpeas are legumes, not true peas. They belong to the Fabaceae family, which also includes beans, lentils, and peas. Their round shape is why they are commonly described as peas.

What are black chickpeas called?

Black chickpeas are commonly called Kala Chana in India and Pakistan. They are smaller and darker than the typical beige Kabuli chickpeas and are often used in curries and snacks.

What is the Spanish name for chickpeas?

The Spanish name is garbanzo. In English-speaking countries, the term garbanzo beans is widely used as another name for chickpeas.

Can I substitute garbanzo beans for chickpeas in a recipe?

Yes. You can substitute them directly because they are the same ingredient. Use the same quantity and follow the cooking instructions in your recipe.

Conclusion:

Chickpeas are known by many names around the world, but garbanzo beans is the most common alternative in American English. Other names include chana, Bengal gram, Kabuli chana, Kala chana, ceci, and nohut.

Although the names may change from one country to another, they often refer to the same versatile legume or one of its varieties. Understanding these terms makes it easier to follow international recipes, shop for ingredients, and explore different food traditions.

The next time you see garbanzo beans or chana on a food label, you will know exactly what they are. Choose the variety that suits your recipe and enjoy this versatile ingredient in your favorite meals.