Rustic Chickpea Cornbread Recipe

Zesty Savory Chickpea Cornbread Recipe For Busy Cooks

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this savory chickpea cornbread that blends rustic charm with unexpected flavors.

Hearty and comforting, the chickpea cornbread delivers a delightful twist on traditional recipes.

Packed with protein and rich textures, this bread speaks to culinary adventurers seeking something beyond ordinary.

Each golden slice promises a symphony of taste that dances between crisp edges and tender crumb.

The chickpeas add a nutty depth that complements the sweet cornmeal perfectly.

Warm from the skillet, this bread beckons you to slice, savor, and celebrate a new classic.

Dive into this recipe and transform your next meal into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 185 kcal

Servings: 9

Savory Chickpea Cornbread Ingredient Guide

For Liquid Ingredients:
  • Almond Milk: Creamy dairy-free alternative that adds moisture and subtle nutty flavor to the cornbread.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Activates baking soda, creating a light and tender texture while adding a slight tangy undertone.
  • Chickpea Brine: Magical egg replacement that whips into a fluffy meringue-like consistency for incredible volume.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, tender crumb and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the cornbread.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • Gluten-Free Flour: Provides structure and ensures a celiac-friendly base with perfect crumbly texture.
  • Cornmeal: Gives authentic corn flavor and distinctive grainy texture classic to traditional cornbread.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy interior.
  • Baking Soda: Supports leavening and helps achieve golden-brown exterior.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
For Sweet Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps with browning of the cornbread's surface.

Kitchen Tools for Chickpea Cornbread

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing batter.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whipping chickpea brine and creating meringue-like texture.
  • Liquid measuring cup: Precise for measuring almond milk and vinegar mixture.
  • Whisk: Key tool for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth batter.
  • Cake pan or baking dish: 9-inch round or 8×8-inch pan for baking cornbread.
  • Cast iron skillet: Alternative baking vessel with rustic charm.
  • Toothpick: Crucial for checking bread's doneness.
  • Knife: Helpful for loosening cornbread from pan edges.

Steps to Cook Savory Chickpea Cornbread

  • Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Grab a 9-inch pan and give it a quick spray of oil, then dust with a light coating of flour to help the bread slide out smoothly.

  • Liquid Magic

Mix almond milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar in a cup. Let it sit and get friendly while you prep other ingredients.

  • Chickpea Cloud Creation

Whip that chickpea brine like you’re creating a fluffy cloud. Sprinkle in some sugar and keep beating until it looks glossy and holds its shape.

  • Dry Ingredient Dance

Toss all your dry ingredients into a big bowl. Whisk them together so they’re perfectly mingled and ready for action.

  • Batter Blending

Pour in the milk mixture and oil. Stir everything until it’s smooth. Gently fold in the chickpea cloud mixture – be careful not to deflate your beautiful creation.

  • Baking Brilliance

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven’s center and bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bread is done.

  • Cooling and Enjoying

Let the cornbread chill in the pan. Run a knife around the edges, then slice and serve while it’s still warm and inviting.

Tips to Add Extra Herbs to Chickpea Cornbread

  • Smart Ingredient Swaps: Replace almond milk with oat or soy milk for different flavor profiles. Experiment with different gluten-free flour blends to discover unique textures and tastes.
  • Moisture Magic Hack: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or applesauce to the batter for extra moisture and softness. This trick prevents dry, crumbly cornbread and enhances the overall tenderness.
  • Flavor Boost Techniques: Mix in diced jalapeños, green onions, or roasted corn kernels for a southwestern twist. Sprinkle nutritional yeast or grated vegan cheese to create a more complex savory experience.
  • Storage Wisdom: Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 2-3 weeks. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain its crisp edges and soft interior.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with hearty soups, chili, or use as a base for a gluten-free stuffing. Drizzle with maple syrup or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a delightful meal complement.

How to Serve Chickpea Cornbread Warm

  • Comfort Companion Plate: Pair this golden cornbread with hearty vegetable chili or warming lentil stew for a cozy, satisfying meal that hugs your soul.
  • Breakfast Breakfast Buddy: Transform leftover slices into a morning treat by toasting them and topping with creamy avocado spread, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • Picnic Perfect Partner: Cut into small squares and pack alongside fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or plant-based protein for an incredible outdoor dining experience that everyone will love.
  • Dipping Delight Technique: Serve alongside smooth hummus, spicy salsa, or tangy plant-based yogurt dips to elevate the cornbread's flavor profile and add exciting texture contrasts.

Save and Reheat Chickpea Cornbread Without Drying

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap slices individually using plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent quick drying.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice cornbread into individual portions before freezing. Place pieces between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container or sealed freezer bag. Frozen cornbread stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly packaged.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Restore freshness by warming slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave works too, but might slightly compromise the crispy exterior texture.
  • Moisture-Saving Hack: Include a small piece of bread or paper towel inside storage container to absorb excess moisture. This trick helps maintain the cornbread's desired texture and prevents potential sogginess during refrigeration.
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Rustic Chickpea Cornbread Recipe

Rustic Chickpea Cornbread Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Midwestern chickpea cornbread delivers a hearty fusion of traditional Southern comfort with protein-rich legumes. Rich crumbles and golden edges promise a satisfying texture that invites you to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fine cornmeal
  • ½ cup organic cane sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (240 ml)
  • ¼ cup grape seed or canola oil (60 ml)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup chickpea brine (whipped until fluffy)
  • Vegan butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Chili

Instructions

  1. Preparation Setup: Calibrate oven to 350°F (176°C) and meticulously coat a 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch baking dish with gluten-free flour for seamless release.
  2. Liquid Fusion: Blend almond milk and apple cider vinegar, allowing chemical interaction to create a tangy liquid base that enhances overall flavor complexity.
  3. Structural Foundation: Integrate gluten-free flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a unified dry mixture, ensuring comprehensive ingredient distribution.
  4. Moisture Integration: Incorporate almond milk mixture and oil into dry ingredients, whisking until a harmonious, lump-free batter emerges with consistent texture.
  5. Aeration Technique: Whip chickpea brine into a glossy meringue-like consistency, progressively adding sugar to stabilize the foam, then gently fold into the prepared batter to maintain airiness.
  6. Baking Transformation: Pour batter into prepared pan, creating an even surface, and position on center oven rack for 25-35 minutes until a clean toothpick test confirms complete cooking.
  7. Cooling and Presentation: Allow cornbread to rest and settle within the pan, developing a tender crumb, then delicately extract and serve warm with complementary accompaniments.

Notes

  • Whip Chickpea Brine Perfectly: Achieve soft, glossy peaks by beating slowly and adding sugar gradually to create a stable, airy meringue-like texture that provides structure to the cornbread.
  • Flour Blend Matters: Ensure thorough whisking of dry ingredients to prevent clumping and guarantee even distribution of leavening agents for consistent rising and texture.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Use a delicate, sweeping motion when incorporating whipped chickpea brine to maintain the air bubbles, preventing deflation and preserving the bread’s light, fluffy consistency.
  • Toothpick Test Timing: Check doneness around 25 minutes, inserting a toothpick in the center – a clean removal indicates perfectly baked cornbread with a moist, tender crumb.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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