Sort and rinse your dried chickpeas. Then transfer them to your Instant Pot and pour the water on top. Close the lid and make sure the valve is in the sealing position. Then set to high pressure for 40 minutes. (It will take approx. 15 minutes to reach pressure.)
When the timer is complete, do NOT quick release. Allow for a manual release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining steam. Once safe to do so, open the lid and transfer your cooked chickpeas using a small strainer or slotted spoon, in order to reserve the cooking liquid for use in other recipes.
You may use immediately, or let cool at room temperature before storing. (See storage instructions in the notes below.)
Notes
Don't soak the chickpeas first. There's no need, and they'll be too soft.Use chickpeas that are fresh and haven't been sitting in your pantry for years, for the best flavour and most desirable texture. (Super old beans and legumes can require hours of cooking and still not get soft.)Make sure to sort through and rinse your dry chickpeas before cooking.Don't dump the cooking water. Use it for broth, or a variety of other dishes.Do not quick release. Let your pressure cooker naturally release for 10 minutes first, or the chickpea liquid will splatter all over the place.Storage Instructions
Refrigerate or freeze your chickpeas ONCE COOLED. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days in zip top bags or sealed containers.
To freeze, pat your chickpeas dry with a clean dish towel. Then measure approx. 1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas and store in zip top bags or freezer safe, air tight containers. This is equivalent to about a 15 ounce can of chickpeas, which makes for convenient portions for future meals.
Make sure to push out extra air from your zip top bags, before sealing and freezing so they keep longer, and the bags will be less likely to break. Keep frozen for up to 3 months.