Despite their ease of preparation, it’s common to forget to soak chickpeas overnight to soften them before cooking. But we’re here to solve that problem: there’s a clever trick for those busy moments! And the best part is that it only requires one ingredient you most likely already have in your kitchen. Want to know more? We’ll let you in on the secret.

You’ve probably been in situations where you wanted to make a delicious chickpea salad, but oops! You forgot to soak them overnight and time is short. This is where baking soda comes in, your ally in this pinch. How can you use it?

Cooks Confess: The Infallible Trick to Soften Chickpeas Quickly with This Ingredient

When it’s time to cook the chickpeas, add a touch of baking soda to the cooking water. You don’t need to overdo it; a little will be enough to achieve effective results. If you’re working with a standard amount of chickpeas, a single pinch will be more than enough. However, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them during the cooking process, as chickpeas can soften quickly.

Baking soda raises the pH of the water during cooking. By doing so, it breaks down the fibers and cell membranes of the chickpeas faster and more effectively than regular water. This process not only softens the chickpeas but also enhances their ability to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.