Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Let’s face it – every once in a while we all feel like hanging out on the sofa and munching on crispy snacks while binging on Netflix or the likes. Maybe you’ve already banned those addictive potato chips from your pantry but now don’t really know where to turn to for a healthier alternative? How about making your own spicy and healthy treats for a change, like roasted chickpeas? They are quick and easy to make and add variety to your snack repertoire. You can make them with many different spices, which makes for a lot of interesting combinations. The best thing about roasted chickpeas  is that you don’t have to feel bad about snacking them, since chickpeas deliver a variety of nutrients, like iron, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and vitamin K. Additionally, they are a great protein source and therefore an ideal snack as they will keep you satiated longer. Roasting the chickpeas with different kinds of spices allows for an even higher intake of nutrients, since all the different spices have their own health benefits (think turmeric, coriander or cayenne pepper).

Note that I am not too strict about exactly measuring the spices. I just use the amount that feels right (which is roughly half a teaspoon), so don’t worry if you add a bit more or less of a few spices or even leave out some and use others instead – I am sure the chickpeas will be just as tasty!

Ingredients for two jars of roasted chickpeas:

• 2 cans of chickpeas
• 4 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. curry
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. coriander
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. red bell pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Tandoori spice
• 1/2 tsp. allspice
• 1/2 tsp. salt

First, preheat the oven to 200°C. Then drain and rinse the chickpeas, wrap them in a kitchen towel and slightly rub them dry. Combine the olive oil with the different spices in a bowl and mix all of it with the chickpeas. They should be well coated with the oil-spice-mix before you place them evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. To roast the chickpeas evenly shake the tray a few times during the cooking period. Bake the chickpeas for about 30 minutes or until they are slightly golden. Enjoy the crispy, spicy roasted chickpeas as a snack or to jazz up any meals.

Tip: Before you store the roasted chickpeas in an air tight container, let them sit for a few hours as otherwise they will lose their crispness.

PS: In case you’re wondering where I got the beautiful plate from: It’s a piece of handmade tableware made in a Portuguese factory sold by Barefoot Living (www.barefootliving.de).