One it is blowing steam turn the heat down so it just hisses. That's when you start the timer for most recipes. Much like the first hop addition....
Chickpeas, just smush some with a ladle in there and mix it through, thickens the gravy nicely without adding anything else.
Roots - carrots - well, eaten carrots cooked with rice in one, they go tender but not mush. Same with potatoes, they hold shape and can be sliced very easily but don't fall apart.