Ingredients
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of key ingredients to create a snack that’s both delicious and wholesome. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): The star of the show! You’ll need canned chickpeas for convenience, but dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked, work equally well. Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, providing substance and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that’s crucial for crisping up the chickpeas and helping the spices adhere. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor and health benefits. It also contributes to a beautiful golden-brown color during roasting.
- Paprika: This spice is essential for the signature smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika for an even deeper, richer smoky note. Paprika also adds a lovely reddish hue to the chickpeas.
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin adds depth and complexity to the spice blend. Its robust flavor complements the paprika and chili powder perfectly, creating a well-rounded spiciness.
- Chili Powder: The heat source! Chili powder provides the spicy kick that makes these chickpeas so addictive. Adjust the amount to your preference – use less for a mild warmth or more for a fiery snack.
- Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that adds a savory and aromatic touch. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor and complements the other spices beautifully.
- Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder contributes to the savory depth and complexity of the spice blend. It adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best taste. Salt also helps to draw out moisture from the chickpeas, aiding in crisping.
- Black Pepper: A classic spice that adds a touch of pungency and balances the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter taste.
Instructions
Creating these spicy roasted chickpeas is surprisingly easy. Follow these simple instructions for perfectly crispy and flavorful results every time:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare a Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Parchment paper also helps distribute heat evenly.
- Rinse and Drain the Chickpeas Thoroughly: Open your can of chickpeas and pour them into a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can, which can hinder crisping. Drain them well, allowing as much water as possible to drip away.
- Dry the Chickpeas Meticulously: This step is crucial for achieving truly crispy roasted chickpeas. The drier the chickpeas are before roasting, the crispier they will become. Transfer the rinsed and drained chickpeas to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Gently pat them completely dry. You can even roll them around in the towel to ensure they are as dry as possible. For extra dryness, you can spread them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and let them air dry for about 15-20 minutes.
- Spice Up Your Chickpeas: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dried chickpeas, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that the chickpeas are evenly coated with the oil and spices. Use your hands or a spatula to get every chickpea nicely seasoned.
- Spread Chickpeas in a Single Layer: Spread the spiced chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chickpeas rather than roast them, preventing them from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer.
- Roast to Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy. About halfway through roasting (around 20 minutes), give the baking sheet a shake or stir the chickpeas gently with a spatula to ensure even roasting on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the roasting time to prevent burning, as ovens can vary in temperature.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once the chickpeas are roasted to your desired crispiness, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will crisp up even further as they cool. Be warned, the aroma will be incredibly tempting at this stage! Once slightly cooled, transfer them to a bowl and enjoy immediately for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 8