Smoky and Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Try this satisfying snack instead of nuts. The tasty legumes are lower in calories and packed with fiber

Ingredients

• 3 cups of organic chick peas
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon organic smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon organic onion powder
• 1 teaspoon organic garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon organic chili powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180℃/350℉
2. Drain chickpeas and rinse well.
3. Dry chickpeas as much as possible using paper towel and/or tea towels.
4. In a medium bowl, add the oil and seasoning and give it a good mix.
5. Put the chickpeas in the bowl and coat well with the mixture.
6. Put baking paper or liner onto a baking tray and spread the chickpeas out into one layer.
7. Put in the oven for 45-50 minutes, tossing and shaking the oven tray every 10 minutes or so. Note: For the last 10 minutes, keep a close eye on the chickpeas to ensure they do not burn.
8. Once the desired crispiness is achieved, remove the tray from the oven to cool down.

Notes

• Serves 6
• Chickpeas can be stored in a container for 2-3 days (though they are best eaten freshly roasted).

When it comes to healthy snacks, you can never have too many. Especially if they are simple to make, nutritious to eat, and ultra-tasty. It just so happens that roasted chickpeas tick all the boxes and will leave you wanting more.

What are Roasted Chickpeas?

Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are a type of legume. They are high in fiber and rich in protein, making them a great meat replacement in the vegetarian diet. Roasted chickpeas are simply chickpeas roasted in the oven (or air fryer), with the end result being a deliciously crunchy healthy snack.

How to Roast Chickpeas

The simplest method involves draining a can of chickpeas, seasoning the chickpeas with a bit of oil and salt, and popping them into the oven to roast.

You could also use the dried chickpea (my fave way) method but it does take more time as it involves soaking and boiling the chickpeas first before they are ready to be roasted.

Either way, the end result is a healthy snack to crunch on, or in my case, the perfect salad topper.

Tips to Get The Crunch in the Chickpeas

The key to getting the crunch in the roasted chickpeas requires a little more care in the prep work. Here are 5 tips that I have found helpful:

• Ensure the chickpeas have been drained well and dried off as much as possible (with paper towels or a tea towel) before putting in the oven.
• Only add just enough oil to coat the chickpeas. If there is too much oil, the chickpeas will end up soggy and greasy (and not so healthy anymore)
• Keep the oven at a temperature no higher than 180℃/350℉.
• Once the chickpeas are out of the oven, let them cool down first.
• When storing the roasted chickpeas, ensure they are completely cooled down before being sealed in a container. Any heat remaining, and the moisture and sogginess will set in.

Note: The time it takes to roast will also depend on the temperature of the individual oven.

Seasoning Your Roasted Chickpeas

When it comes to the flavour, this really is just a personal preference, no different to choosing your favourite flavoured potato chips (only way healthier). Perhaps you fancy spicy garlic? Honey or BBQ? Or maybe sweet maple cinnamon roasted chickpeas? This is the beauty of making your own roasted chickpeas, as you mix and match, based on what you like to eat.

If you are looking for a smoky roasted chickpea snack with a hint of chili, try out my recipe here. My family loves it as a snack and I really like it sprinkled on my salad. Have fun experimenting and happy crunching.