Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew (Garbanzos Guisados)

Chickpeas are the star in this recipe! So, grab your bowls and spoons and turn up the salsa music - we’re making Puerto Rican chickpea stew tonight! If you’re into Puerto Rican flavors and dishes like our pastelón, Puerto Rican spaghetti, tofu guisado, and yellow rice - you’re going to LOVE this dish! 

Jump to:

• What is Garbanzo Guisados or Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew? 
• Why You’ll Love This
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Tips for the Best Chickpea Stew 
• How To Thicken Chickpea Stew 
• What To Serve with Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew 
• More Recipes With Chickpeas 
• How To Store 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chickpeas
• Are chickpeas the same as gandules?
• What is the Spanish name for chickpeas?
• Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing?
• Are chickpeas healthy?
• Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew (Garbanzos Guisados)

What is Garbanzo Guisados or Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew? 

Puerto Rican chickpea stew is a stew made with authentic, Puerto Rican ingredients including sofrito, sazon, adobo, fresh cilantro, and spices. It’s made similarly to other Puerto Rican stews like habichuelas guisadas. 

Why You’ll Love This

1. It’s a quick recipe! With a 20-minute quick time and minimal chopping, you have the perfect weekday meal to serve up your hungry family. Serve with a heaping bowl of white rice or your favorite toasted bread. 
2. It’s FLAVORFUL! This recipe doesn’t hold back when it comes to flavor. With the combination of homemade sofrito, spices, and broth - you have the most delicious chickpea stew you’ll ever make!  
3. It’s healthy, packed with plant-based protein and fiber - all thanks to the chickpeas and other ingredients in this stew! Along with being healthy, this dish is also gluten-free, soy-free, 100% vegan, and nut-free.

Ingredients & Substitutions

We’re using easy-to-find, affordable ingredients in this delicious chickpea stew. Here’s the list: 

• Olive Oil - If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral oil will work, like vegetable or canola oil. 
• Sofrito - I recommend making sofrito from scratch, but you may be able to find it in either the freezer section of the grocery store, or in the “ethnic” or Hispanic aisle at the grocery store - which can be found jarred. 
• Sazon - Sazon can be found at most grocery stores that sell a variety of spices and seasonings. If not, it can be found online. 
• Adobo - Like sazon, adobo can be purchased online. 
• Oregano 
• Bay Leaves - You’ll need just about 1-2 bay leaves. 
• Tomato Paste - Tomato sauce may also be used in a pinch. About ¼ cup tomato sauce will do - adjust other liquids as needed. 
• Olives - Green Spanish olives (Manzanilla) are the way to go here. 
• Chickpeas - Canned chickpeas were used in this recipe, but they may also be cooked from scratch. If using canned chickpeas, be sure to drain the cans. 
• Potatoes 
• Vegetable Broth - Use any kind you prefer. I used a bouillon cube. Just keep in mind the sodium and adjust the other salt-based seasonings in this recipe (sazon + adobo) as needed. 
• Cilantro (to garnish)
• Chopped Onions (to garnish)
• Lemon juice 

Tips for the Best Chickpea Stew 

1. To create a thicker, hearty chickpea stew, blend about half a cup of the cooked stew and reintroduce it back to the pot to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. 
2. If possible, use fresh sofrito. Although there are options for jarred or frozen sofrito, nothing comes close to the real deal. Also, it’s very easy to make. You just need a handful of vegetables (cilantro, peppers, onion, and garlic) then blend until chunky. 
3. Add more water or broth as needed, depending on your preferences. 
4. Looking for a spicy chickpea stew? Add cayenne pepper or add chilies. 
5. Add the “optionals” and “garnishes” including cilantro for flavor, chopped onions for a crunch, and lemon juice to brighten up the stew. They make a world of difference. 
6. Serve with toasted bread or your favorite grain. 

How To Thicken Chickpea Stew 

The best way to thicken chickpea stew is to remove about ½ cup of cooked stew and blend until it’s a paste or puree. Then, reintroduce it back to the pot and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Combine well. 

What To Serve with Puerto Rican Chickpea Stew 

Because this dish is already so flavorful, I like to serve it with plain white rice, toasted bread, or flatbread. 

Other sides can include tostones, maduros, yuca, sliced avocados, or a green salad. 

More Recipes With Chickpeas 

• One-Pot Chickpeas and Potato Curry
• Butter Chickpea Curry 
• Chickpea Salad Sandwich 
• Creamy Chickpea Pasta with Spinach 

How To Store 

To store chickpea stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, gently warm the chickpea stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chickpeas

Are chickpeas the same as gandules?

No, chickpeas and gandules are not the same. Chickpeas are a type of legume also known as garbanzo beans. They are round, beige-colored beans with a nutty flavor. On the other hand, gandules, also known as pigeon peas, are a different type of legume. They are small, round, and greenish in color. Both chickpeas and gandules are commonly used in various cuisines, but they have distinct flavors and textures.

What is the Spanish name for chickpeas?

The Spanish name for chickpeas is "garbanzos." In Spanish-speaking countries, you'll often find chickpeas referred to as "garbanzos" on menus and in recipes.

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing?

Yes, chickpeas and garbanzo beans are the same. They are known by both names interchangeably. The term "chickpea" is more commonly used in the United States, while "garbanzo bean" is more prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries and some other regions.

Are chickpeas healthy?

Chickpeas are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins (such as folate and vitamin K), and minerals (including iron, magnesium, and potassium). Chickpeas are also low in fat and can contribute to heart health and weight management.

Tried out this Chickpea Stew recipe?

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