• Prepare the chickpeas for cooking. Simply look through the beans and discard any rocks or anything that does not look like a chickpea.

Stovetop Method

• Soak the chickpeas. You can either soak them overnight or try the quick soaking method. To soak overnight, put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add plenty of water to cover the chickpeas by a good 3 inches. Set aside for 24 hours. For the quick soak method, put the chickpeas in a pot and add 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minute. Turn the heat off, cover and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour. Drain.
• In a large cooking pot, put the chickpeas and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 7 cups of water to cover the beans by several inches. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon or more if you like). Add the bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, skimming off any foam or skins that float to the top. Chickpeas will cook anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 1/2 hour or until tender (cooking time will vary depending on the type and freshness of the chickpeas).

Slow Cooker Method

• In a 2 1/2-quart slow cooker, put the chickpeas, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 7 cups water, a big pinch of kosher salt, bay leaf, and garlic. Cover and cook on high heat for 4 hours, or low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until tender.

Pressure Cooker Method

• Add the chickpeas and 6 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Seal the lid shut. Select High Pressure and cook for 50 minutes. Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for 10 minutes, then vent the remaining pressure and when the release valve drops, safely open the lid. (Be sure to review the pressure cooker manual before use and follow all safety precautions).