Crispy chickpea snack

Crispy Chickpea Snack

If you're looking for a healthy snack that's full of flavor and extremely crunchy, you've found the perfect recipe! This chickpea snack is not only delicious but also a nutritious option that can satisfy your cravings for something tasty without compromising your health. Chickpeas, known for their nutritional benefits, are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and minerals. Plus, this recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to adjust the spices according to your personal preferences.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 400 g chickpeas (preferably canned to save time, but you can also use dried chickpeas that you should boil beforehand)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika or chili (adjust the amount to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/2 teaspoon dried and ground rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon curry (optional, but adds an exotic touch)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain them well and rinse under cold water to remove excess sodium. If using dried chickpeas, make sure you have boiled them beforehand. The chickpeas should be soft.

2. Preheating the Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving a crunchy texture.

3. Mixing the Spices: In a large bowl, combine all the spices: sweet paprika, hot paprika or chili, salt, ground ginger, garlic granules, rosemary, and curry. Mix well to ensure that the proportions of each spice are even.

4. Adding the Oil: Drizzle the chickpeas with olive oil or coconut oil, then mix well. The oil will help the spices stick to the chickpeas and contribute to a crunchy crust.

5. Final Combination: Add the spice mixture over the chickpeas and carefully mix everything, ensuring that each chickpea is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a rich flavor.

6. Baking the Chickpeas: Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the chickpeas do not overlap. This will allow for even baking.

7. Baking and Mixing: Bake the chickpeas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Every 10 minutes, take the tray out and gently shake it to ensure even baking. The tasty chickpeas will start to turn golden and crunchy.

8. Checking for Doneness: Taste a chickpea to check the texture. If you prefer them softer, you can leave them a little longer. Be careful not to forget them in the oven, as they can harden excessively.

9. Cooling: Once they have achieved a crunchy crust, take the chickpeas out of the oven and let them cool on the tray. They will become even crunchier as they cool.

Serving:
This crispy chickpea snack is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or alongside a yogurt sauce with mint or tzatziki for a refreshing touch.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add other spices or herbs, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or even a squeeze of lemon for a fresh taste. Chickpeas can also be combined with sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for added texture and nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits:
Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them an ideal choice for a healthy snack. They are rich in B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, contributing to a balanced diet.

Calories:
A 100 g serving of baked chickpeas contains about 164 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried chickpeas? Yes, just make sure to boil them before baking.
- How can I keep the chickpeas crunchy? Store them in an airtight container after they have completely cooled.
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes, it is completely vegan and healthy!

This chickpea snack is a perfect choice for a party, movie night, or simply to satisfy your craving for something crunchy. Try it and enjoy every bite!