Roasted Chickpeas

Well, I think I've done it. I think I have found you the easiest recipe possible. Maybe.... I'll keep working on making them easier.... :)

So, around 3pm, I get pretty peckish and I start thinking how I would love something salty and crunchy. Alas, I've pretty much given up potato chips, because they are just not healthy, even though I really love them. (I do make exceptions, like when there's a bag open, and it would be a shame to let all of it go to waste) :-D 

So what does one do when you don't have chips in the house, and a stalk of celery isn't calling your name? You reach for the roasted chickpeas is what! Pause for brief psa message - Chickpeas, also called Garbanzo beans, like other legumes are high in fiber and protein. But chickpeas are also high in potassium calcium, iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium. Resume normal conversation. Just in case you needed a reason to start eating these delightful treats, thought I'd share some of the benefits as well! :)

So you have a couple of options. I purchase dried chickpeas, but now you can buy BPA free canned (pre-boiled) chickpeas, and you can save yourself a few steps, which makes this an even easier recipe!

Ingredients:

Chickpeas

  Optional Seasoning:

  Salt

  Pepper

  Garlic Powder

  Cumin

  Cayenne
  Olive Oil

Step 1: Soak the chickpeas in enough water to cover it, overnight. NOTE: if you purchased canned chickpeas skip to Step 3.

I usually do about 1 cup at a time. That gives you "enough" for a couple days, without it getting stale by the time you eat it. 

Make sure there's enough water

By the next morning, they've become plump little peas. 

Step 2: Drain chickpeas, return to a pot, add water to cover and bring to boil. Reduce heat, and let simmer for about 45 minutes. 

Step 3: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 

Step 4: Drain peas once again, and place in a bowl for seasoning. Add Salt, Pepper,Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cayenne and Olive. Add as much or as little of each as you'd like. If you prefer to keep it simple, just add a bit of salt, and a tiny bit of olive and mix. 

For some reason all I have is this incredibly blurry photo of the seasoning added, Sorry!

You can add whichever spices you prefer. I am considering doing a sweet version of this. Maybe using cinnamon and a bit of sugar. 

Step 5: Line a baking pan with foil or parchment, and add seasoned chickpeas to them. Place in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Checking on them the last 10 minutes to make sure they aren't burning. 

Step 6: Let cool slightly, and enjoy! These should keep for a couple days on your counter...if they last that long!