Roasted chickpeas have been on a bit of a craze nowadays. They are a healthier snacking option than say chips or buttery popcorn. Nutritional wise, they pack a ton of protein, fiber, folate, and zinc. And regarding taste, roasted chickpeas are crunchy, nutty, and very flavorful.
You can purchase roasted chickpeas at the grocery store, however, they are actually quite easy to make on your own. Here are eight recipes that are worth making at home. All you need is a can of chickpeas.
1. Roasted and Salted Chickpeas
This recipe doesn't get any simpler. All you need chickpeas, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It's a good recipe if you have little to work with or you prefer your chickpeas on the simpler side. It only takes about five minutes to prep, and 30 minutes in the oven.
2. Spicy Oven-Crisped Chickpeas
These are fairly easy to make, using only six ingredients. Unlike simply roasted chickpeas, these have a bit of a kick thanks to the added chili powder, but can be customized based on your spice preferences. They are best described as being a "little crunchy, a little chewy, a little spicy and very tasty."
3. Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas
If you love salt and vinegar potato chips, then these are the chickpeas for you. They're great if you're looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips, but still want a lot of flavor. Beware, like the chips, you'll probably eat a whole batch in one sitting.
4. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos
Roasted chickpeas are great for snacking, but this recipe goes to show they can even be incorporated into meals. The cauliflower and chickpeas have a soft inside with a wonderfully crunchy outside when roasted, which pairs well with the tangy slaw on top. These tacos are vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan.
5. Turmeric Roasted Chickpeas
Turmeric is best known for its health benefits, such as being anti-inflammatory, decreasing your cancer risk, and supporting detoxification. So when combined with the protein and fiber filled chickpeas, it becomes a snack you can definitely feel good about eating. These turmeric roasted chickpeas can even be customized with flavors like pumpkin spice.
6. Sweet Roasted Chickpeas
Yep, chickpeas are so versatile, you can even make them into a sweet snack. With these sweet roasted chickpeas, all you need to add is a bit of sugar, honey/maple syrup, and lime juice, then bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. They actually resemble roasted nuts and are best enjoyed warm.
7. Vegan Roasted Chickpea Caesar Salad
Looking for a way to make your boring salad a bit more exciting? Swap out the croutons and try this vegan roasted chickpea caesar salad. It's full of nutrient dense foods like kale, and it makes a great to-go lunch.
8. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas and Eggplant
Combine the nutritional power of chickpeas with those of eggplants (like promoting a healthy heart and helping blood flow to the brain) with this easy to make recipe. You can spice it up as much as you want, but it is suggested to use garlic, paprika, and cayenne. To get a crispy texture, roast at 450 degrees and leave the eggplant in longer than the chickpeas.
Whether its dinner, lunch or snack, roasted chickpeas are a great switch for not-so-healthy options. When it comes to making them for yourself, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Make sure to see if the directions call for having the chickpeas rinsed and/or dried before roasting. Some recipes call for it so that your peas aren't overly dry or soggy. Also, if the chickpeas look too dry during the roasting process, spray some olive oil on them. It will help them bake completely without compromising taste.