Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Printable Version)
Crunchy, spicy chickpeas infused with Cajun spices for a bold, protein-rich snack.
# What You Need:
→ Chickpeas
01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 3 cups cooked chickpeas
→ Spices
02 - 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
08 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 tsp fine sea salt
→ Oils
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chickpeas very dry with clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture ensures crispiness.
03 - Transfer chickpeas to large bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
04 - In small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
05 - Sprinkle spice mix over chickpeas. Toss thoroughly until well coated.
06 - Spread chickpeas in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
07 - Roast 35-40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden, crisp, and fragrant. Watch closely during last 10 minutes.
08 - Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes. Chickpeas crisp further as they cool. Serve immediately or store in airtight container up to 3 days.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That perfect crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more handful
- A spice blend that hits all the right notes without overwhelming your palate
02 -
- Drying the chickpeas thoroughly is the single most important step for achieving that satisfying crunch
- The chickpeas will soft when they first come out of the oven but crisping happens as they cool
03 -
- Set a timer for the last 10 minutes because the line between perfectly golden and burned is thin
- Let the baking sheet cool completely before removing the chickpeas to prevent steaming