Chickpeas are round, beige-colored members of the pea family. They are often referred to as dried beans. ie. Garbanzo beans, ceci beans. They are firm to touch and have a mildly nutlike flavor. They are available here dried or precooked in cans (canned vegetables).It is also the main ingredient in popular Middle Eastern dishes- hummus and falafel. Dried chickpeas require soaking to rehydrate them.