You don’t need a fancy thermometer. Just grab one chickpea and squish it between your fingers. It should feel creamy and tender, like a firm but squishy eraser. If it cracks into two dry halves, it’s not ready.
Instant Pot Chickpeas - Spice Up The Curry
Another trick? Blow on one gently. If the skin starts to peel away like a little jacket, you’re in the zone. If it stays stubbornly attached, give it another ten minutes and check again.
Remember, they’ll continue to soften slightly as they cool, so pull them off the heat just before they feel too soft. Nobody likes a hummus that looks like soup.