This Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix is your new go-to for a healthy, crunchy bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for satisfying those snack cravings without any guilt. Get ready to transform humble chickpeas into an irresistible treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Canned Chickpeas: Essential for the base. Don’t skip these!
- Olive Oil: Helps with crispiness. Any neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil works too.
- Spices: Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper. Feel free to mix and match with your favorites – chili powder, curry powder, or even a dash of cinnamon can be fun.
Ingredients:
Main:
* 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and thoroughly dried
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices:
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, mixing bowl, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chickpeas
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Make sure your chickpeas are really, truly dry – this is key for crispiness! Pat them down with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Season the Chickpeas
In a medium bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Next, sprinkle in all your spices: smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure every chickpea is covered in delicious seasoning.
3. Roast to Perfection
Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can steam them instead of roasting. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring them halfway through, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
4. Cool and Enjoy
Once roasted, remove the chickpeas from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will get even crispier as they cool down. Now you have a delightful, crunchy roasted chickpea snack mix ready to munch on!
Storage Instructions:
Store your cooled roasted chickpea snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To re-crisp them, you can pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Why do my roasted chickpeas not get crispy?
A: The most common reason is not drying them enough! Ensure they are thoroughly patted dry before tossing with oil and spices. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Q: Can I use different spices?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any spice blends you love, like chili lime, taco seasoning, or even a sweet cinnamon sugar mix.
Q: Can I air fry roasted chickpeas?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until crispy.
Q: Are roasted chickpeas healthy?
A: Yes, they are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, they store well for several days, but are best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal crispiness.
Q: Do I need to remove the chickpea skins?
A: No, it’s not necessary. Some people prefer to remove them for extra crispiness, but it’s a lot of extra work and doesn’t significantly impact the final texture.