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Roasted chickpeas Recipe


  • Author: Katherine

Ingredients

Scale

  • 400g (1 can) cooked chickpeas, washed and drained: Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are the star of this recipe. Using canned chickpeas makes this recipe incredibly quick and convenient. When selecting your canned chickpeas, opt for those with no added salt or low sodium options if you are watching your salt intake. The washing and draining process is crucial. Washing removes any excess starch and canning liquid which can hinder crispiness. Draining ensures that excess moisture is removed, allowing the olive oil and spices to coat the chickpeas effectively and promote optimal roasting. You can also cook your own chickpeas from dried, which will require soaking and boiling beforehand, but canned chickpeas are a fantastic time-saver for this recipe.
  • 15ml (1 tbsp) olive oil: Olive oil is the fat component in this recipe, playing a vital role in achieving that desirable crispy texture. It also adds a subtle richness and healthy fats to the snack. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its superior flavor and health benefits, but regular olive oil will also work perfectly fine. The oil coats the chickpeas, preventing them from drying out completely in the oven and allowing them to roast rather than just bake. This even coating of oil is key to achieving uniform crispness across all the chickpeas. Don’t be tempted to skimp on the oil, as it is essential for both texture and flavor development.
  • 15ml (1 tbsp) spice: This is where you get to unleash your creativity and customize the roasted chickpeas to your liking! The spice component is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a wide range of flavor profiles. You can use a single spice or a blend to achieve your desired taste. Some popular and delicious options include:

    • Smoked Paprika: For a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. It adds a beautiful reddish hue and a depth of flavor that is incredibly addictive.
    • Garlic Powder: A classic choice that adds a savory and aromatic element. Garlic powder enhances the natural nuttiness of the chickpeas.
    • Onion Powder: Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides a savory base note and complements other spices beautifully.
    • Chili Powder: For a touch of heat and warmth. Chili powder can range from mild to hot, so choose one that suits your spice preference.
    • Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin adds a distinct Middle Eastern or Mexican flavor profile.
    • Curry Powder: A blend of spices that offers a complex and aromatic flavor. Curry powder can bring a vibrant and exotic touch to your roasted chickpeas.
    • Italian Herbs: A mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme for a Mediterranean twist. These herbs provide a fragrant and savory flavor.
    • Cajun Seasoning: For a spicy and savory kick with notes of paprika, cayenne, and garlic. Cajun seasoning delivers a bold and flavorful punch.
    • Everything Bagel Seasoning: A trendy and flavorful blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. This seasoning adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor.
    • Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet and savory snack. A combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a delightful sweet treat with a hint of warmth.
    • Plain Salt and Pepper: For a simple yet satisfying snack that highlights the natural flavor of the chickpeas. Sometimes, simplicity is key, and salt and pepper are all you need.


Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Preheating your oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even roasting and crispiness. The high heat is essential for quickly drying out the chickpeas and creating that desirable crunchy texture. If your oven tends to run hot or cold, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Using a fan-assisted oven (convection oven) will help to circulate the hot air more evenly, resulting in more uniformly roasted chickpeas. If you don’t have a fan oven, the standard temperature of 200°C (gas mark 6) will work well. Allow your oven to fully preheat before placing the chickpeas inside to ensure they start roasting immediately.
  2. Arrange the chickpeas in an even layer in a large baking pan. Using a large baking pan is important to avoid overcrowding the chickpeas. Overcrowding will steam the chickpeas instead of roasting them, leading to a softer, less crispy result. Spread the chickpeas in a single, even layer across the baking pan. This allows hot air to circulate around each chickpea, promoting even cooking and crisping. If you are making a larger batch, you may need to use two baking pans or roast the chickpeas in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded. A rimmed baking sheet is ideal to prevent any chickpeas from rolling off during shaking.
  3. Drizzle with oil and give pan a vigorous shake to ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly covered. Drizzling the olive oil evenly over the chickpeas is the next crucial step. Aim for a light but thorough coating. The tablespoon of olive oil should be sufficient for a 400g can of chickpeas. After drizzling, the “vigorous shake” is key to distributing the oil evenly and ensuring that every chickpea is coated. You can also use your hands or a spatula to toss the chickpeas and ensure they are well coated with the oil. This even coating of oil is what helps to achieve uniform crispness and prevents some chickpeas from becoming dry while others remain soft.
  4. Roast the chickpeas for 30-40 minutes or until they are golden and crisp. Roasting time is a guideline, and the exact time may vary depending on your oven and the desired level of crispiness. Start checking the chickpeas around 30 minutes. They are ready when they are golden brown and feel crispy to the touch. You can test crispiness by removing a chickpea and letting it cool slightly. If it’s crispy when cooled, the rest are likely ready. During the roasting process, you can shake the pan or stir the chickpeas halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the roasting time to prevent them from burning, especially if your oven runs hot. The goal is to achieve a balance between crispiness and avoiding them becoming overly hard or burnt.
  5. Remove from the oven and place them in a mixing bowl. Once the chickpeas are roasted to your desired crispiness, remove them from the oven promptly. Transferring them to a mixing bowl immediately helps to stop the cooking process and allows them to cool slightly before adding the spices. Using a mixing bowl provides ample space for tossing the chickpeas with the spices and ensures even distribution.
  6. Add the spice of your choice to them. Mix well and serve. Now comes the exciting part – adding your chosen spice! While the chickpeas are still warm, sprinkle your desired spice or spice blend over them in the mixing bowl. Toss the chickpeas thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the spice. The warmth of the chickpeas helps the spices to adhere better and release their aromas. Taste a chickpea and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more spice or a pinch of salt if desired. Serve the roasted chickpeas immediately while they are at their crispiest and most flavorful. They are best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 75-90 kcal
  • Sugar: <1g
  • Sodium: 100-150mg
  • Fat: 4-5g
  • Saturated Fat: <1g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-12g
  • Fiber: 2-3g
  • Protein: 3-4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg