Sometimes, I crave a salty, crunchy snack. Most of the snacks in this category that can be purchased are filled with chemicals and unhealthy fats. Check out this delicious and healthy crunchy salty snack alternative – Crunchy Skillet-Roasted Chickpeas. This recipe combines chickpeas‘ nutty flavor with paprika’s smoky aroma, creating a delicious combination of flavors and crunch. You can control the amount of salt by adding sea salt before serving. Add these crunchy chickpeas to a salad, or serve them with some antipasto.
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My grandkids love chickpeas. When they come to visit, I go through a lot of chickpeas. They are vegan, and chickpeas are one of those complete proteins I can serve them. I add them to salads, roast them, make them into a snack, and put them in soups and stews. Instead of purchasing canned chickpeas, you can buy a big batch at home. You can purchase them dried in bulk at a Whole Foods store and have them at home for later use.
Key Takeaways:
- Healthy Snacking Alternative
Crunchy Skillet-Roasted Chickpeas offer a delicious and nutritious substitute for traditional salty, crunchy snacks filled with unhealthy fats and chemicals. - Customizable and Versatile
You can adjust the salt and seasoning to your taste, making these chickpeas a perfect addition to salads, antipasto, or as a standalone snack. - Nutritional Powerhouse
Chickpeas are rich in plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and folate, promoting heart health, digestion, and blood sugar control. - Simple Ingredients and Recipe
The recipe uses common pantry staples like canned chickpeas, olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika, with straightforward preparation steps for a quick and easy snack. - Achieving the Perfect Crunch
Properly drying the chickpeas and avoiding overcrowding during cooking are essential for ensuring a crispy texture. - Storage Tips for Lasting Crunch
Store roasted chickpeas in an airtight container with moisture-absorbing aids like silica gel or uncooked rice to maintain their crunchiness.
Nutritional Information for Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are packed with essential nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein that helps build and repair tissues.
Chickpeas are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate. Chickpeas can contribute to better heart health, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced weight management.
Ingredients for Crunchy Skillet-Roasted Chickpeas.
- Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas
- Olive Oil: Organic extra virgin olive oil
- Salt: use sea salt
- Pepper: black or white pepper to taste
- Smoked Paprika: If you can’t find smoked paprika, use regular paprika. It can be hard to find.
Step by step Instructions.
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel.
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a large plate covered with paper towels.
- Microwave 12 – 15 minutes until about half of the chickpeas are split and the peas make a dry rustling sound when stirred.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. (I used a 15-inch cast iron skillet)
- Toss the chickpeas with the smoked paprika.
- Add the chickpeas to hot oil in the skillet.
- Stir the chickpeas and cook them in the oil until dry, crunchy, and golden brown.
- With a slotted spoon, remove the chickpeas from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel.
FAQ for Crunchy Skillet-Roasted Chickpeas.
Why won’t my chickpeas get crunchy?
Achieving a crunchy skillet chickpea can be a bit tricky. One common reason for this is not drying the chickpeas properly before roasting them. Moisture is the enemy of crunchiness, so pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel before tossing them in oil and seasoning. Microwaving them for 10 minutes or more will also help dry them. Another culprit could be overcrowding the pan. If the chickpeas are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture. Give them some space to spread out and crisp up. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time or frying time. Overcooking can lead to dryness, and undercooking will leave them soft.
Why are my roasted chickpeas soft?
It’s essential to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before roasting them. Any excess moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy. If you are roasting them in the oven, another reason could be the temperature of your oven. If it’s too low, the chickpeas might not get enough heat to become crunchy. Lastly, the cooking time also plays a role. If you don’t roast them long enough, they might become soft instead of crispy.
How should I store roasted chickpeas to keep them crunchy?
To keep your crunchy skillet chickpeas crunchy, ensure that they are completely cooled before storing them. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable bag—a ziplock bag is perfect. Adding a small packet of silica gel or a few grains of uncooked rice to absorb moisture can also help maintain their crunchiness. Keeping the container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or any heat source, is essential.
Why did my roasted chickpeas burn?
The oven temperature could be too high if your roasted chickpeas are burnt. Chickpeas must be roasted at a moderate temperature to allow them to cook evenly and become crunchy. If the heat is too high, they can quickly burn on the outside while remaining undercooked on the inside. Another reason could be that they were roasted for too long. Chickpeas can go from perfectly roasted to burnt in minutes, so keeping a close eye on them while in the oven is essential. Finally, the type and quality of the baking sheet used can also affect the outcome. Thin or dark-colored baking sheets tend to conduct heat more quickly, which can lead to burning. To avoid burnt chickpeas, it’s best to roast them at a lower temperature for a longer time, checking on them frequently to ensure they don’t overcook.
Are crunchy skillet chickpeas good for you?
Yes, they are good for you. Chickpeas are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great choice for weight management. Additionally, chickpeas contain complex carbohydrates that provide a steady release of energy, making them an ideal snack for those looking to sustain their energy levels throughout the day.
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Crunchy Skillet Roasted Chickpeas
Equipment
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- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed or 4 cups home-cooked chickpeas.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- ¼ cup organic extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Drain, rinse, and pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a large plate covered with a couple of layers of paper towels.
- Microwave on high for 12 - 15 minutes until about half of the chickpeas are split and the peas make a dry rustling sound when stirred.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. (I used a 15-inch cast iron skillet)
- Add the chickpeas to hot oil in the skillet.
- Stir the chickpeas and cook them in the oil until dry, crunchy, and golden brown. Add the smoked paprika, salt and pepper
- With a slotted spoon, remove the chickpeas from the skillet and put on a baking sheet lined with a paper towel.
