Roasted Chickpeas With Aromatics

This is such an easy recipe and the natural nuttiness of chickpeas is even more pronounced when they are roasted. Did you know that chickpeas are packed with protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals? Make these roasted chickpeas, seasoned with cumin, paprika, lemon and a bit of garlic, if you prefer. It’s really so good, that you may just want to enjoy them as a healthy snack instead of another packet of crisps.

Roasted chickpeas with aromatics

Recipe by Heleen Meyer

Makes about 500 ml

1 x 410 g tins chickpeas, well drained (TIP: freeze the brine for later to use as ‘stock’ in soups and stews)

30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil

5 ml (1 tsp) cumin seeds

5 ml (1 tsp) ordinary paprika

1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)

finely grated rind of 1 lemon

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C and line a small baking tray with foil. Pat chickpeas dry with paper towel.
2. In a large bowl, mix chickpeas with the oil, spices, garlic and lemon rind until well coated.
3. Place the oil-coated chickpeas on the baking tray and roast for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, roast in your air-fryer at 200°C for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy.
4. Remove from the oven or air-fryer and allow to cool. See serving suggestions below. Store in an airtight container.

Here are Heleen’s 5 ways to use the ROASTED CHICKPEAS:

1) Prepare these as a healthy snack – they’re so good, you’ll want to eat them like peanuts.

2) Sprinkle these over salads or enjoy on a soup to add a tasty crunch and some added plant-based protein.

3) Try these over roasted veg OR add cauliflower florets with the chickpeas to the oil and spice mixture and roast for a light vegetarian meal.

4) Enjoy these over blanched green beans or broccoli.

5) Alternatively, blend this recipe with more olive oil and lemon juice and turn it into an easy hummus! OR sprinkle them over a shop-bought tub of hummus as a lovely homemade twist.

Whichever way you enjoy them, they are sure to have everyone asking for more.

Image by Adel Ferreira for Cooking from the heart SA, courtesy of Pharma Dynamics.

Visit Heleen’s website for more recipes like this.