If you haven't met the crispy chickpea yet, it's time to get introduced. This addictive snack is a plant-based protein that delivers flavour options to suit just about any style of meal or snack craving-and it's incredibly easy to make. Here are five ways to use crispy chickpeas that will have you stocking up on this humble (and affordable) legume.
1. The roasted chickpea snack
When roasted to a crunchy finish, crispy chickpeas are an irresistible snack you can reach for any time of day. From cajun-style to herbed and curried versions, the flavour options are almost endless.
2. The roasted chickpea crouton
It's not sneaking in healthful ingredients when they're crunchy and delicious! Go wild with this salad add-on; it can take the place of croutons or bacon bits or simply be used to add plant-based protein options to your midday meal.
3. The roasted chickpea soup topper
Give rich and creamy soups a hit of texture and restaurant-style finish with a crispy garnish! Serve your choice of soup with a complementary flavour (find inspiration below) and watch everyone's spoons hit the bottom of the bowl in no time.
4. The roasted chickpea salad
Turn an irresistible snack into a salad! When a handful (or more) of crispy chickpeas are added to salads, the meal instantly becomes heartier and more fun to eat. Try it: Roast chickpeas using the Indian-inspired flavour profile below, and add to mung bean sprouts, chopped tomatoes, and red onion for an appetizing chopped salad.
5. The roasted chickpea and sautéed vegetable combo
Dark leafy greens boast a lot of healthful benefits, but finding fun and exciting ways to eat them isn't always easy. Get those greens in by making a sauté (think spinach, garlic, lemon, and onion, or try this recipe) and mixing in crispy chickpeas right before serving. They balance a flavourful (but very soft-textured) side with a bite and crunch so good everyone will want seconds.
How to make crispy chickpeas
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse and pat dry canned chickpeas; toss with oil and salt. Arrange in single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake, stirring every 10 min., until chickpeas are golden, 20 to 30 min. Remove from oven and toss with desired seasoning.
Tips:
- Preseasoning chickpeas before roasting can lead to burnt spices and herbs, so save it until the end.
- The drier the chickpeas are, the crispier they will be, so don't skip this step!
Roasted chickpea seasonings
Spanish-inspired
Smoked Spanish paprika, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, garlic salt.
Tuscan-inspired
Fresh thyme and rosemary, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, crushed chili flakes.
Greek-inspired
Greek oregano, extra-virgin olive oil, cumin, onion and garlic powders, pepper, chili powder.
Latin American-inspired
Cumin, extra-virgin olive oil, onion and garlic powders, pepper, chili powder.
Indian-inspired
Dry-roasted chickpeas, chaat masala, lime juice, cilantro, chopped green chilies.
Cajun-inspired
Cajun seasoning, extra-virgin olive oil, maple syrup, brown sugar.
