Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with paprika, cayenne pepper and garlic salt make a deliciously smoky vegan snack. These little nutty pulses are the perfect treat; smothered with oodles of flavour yet still healthy and nutritious. Double the servings and serve as an accompaniment to baked potatoes or hearty stews.
The ingredients
The humble chickpea is a vegan staple. These little gems are so versatile, yet I think we’re all guilty of just throwing them into a salad as an afterthought. Chickpeas are a nutrition powerhouse, being high in protein, fibre and B vitamins; the latter contributing to brain health and energy levels. Roasting them in olive oil only adds to their nutritional value. Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats making it a healthy choice to cook with.
To enhance their subtle nutty flavour I’ve added smoked paprika, cayenene pepper and garlic granules. These seasonings compliment one other, adding a smoky, spicy flavouring.
How to get crunchy roasted chickpeas
Make sure to thoroughly dry the chickpeas after giving them a rinse in order to achieve true crunch factor. You also want the oil to completely coat the chickpeas to ensure a crisp shell. Spread the chickpeas onto a baking tray ensuring the chickpeas are not touching one another; this prevents the pulses from steaming rather than roasting.
Finally please pre heat your oven! I know when I’m hungry I’m always tempted to skip this step, but do as I say and not as I do! Getting the oven hot before roasting will help the chickpeas cook evenly, resulting in the ultimate crisp chickpea.
Leave a comment and let me know how you get on making these spicy roasted chickpeas. I’d love to see your creations over on instagram!
Spicy roasted chickpeas
Ingredients
- 400 g tinned chickpeas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper see notes
- 1/4 tsp garlic granules
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C / gas 6.
- Drain and rinse the tinned chickpeas. Dry thoroughly to ensure they roast properly. In a large bowl add the chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using)*, garlic granules and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Spread out onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment, ensuring the chickpeas are not layered on one another. Place in the oven for 30 minutes. Enjoy as a snack or serve alongside a vegan main.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder flavour, simply reduce the quantity of cayenne pepper used or omit entirely.