Ever have those moments of coincidence with internet topics? Here’s mine for the day: I wrote a list of things to bake this weekend, and on that list was a chickpea snack. I was thinking the popcorn equivalent of chickpeas, toasted and seasoned with yummy spices (maybe curry? maybe garlic? maybe sweet cinnamon?). Great idea, right? The answer to that is a resounding yes! Because then the next day I got an email from one of the food-trends sites I subscribe to, and that email detailed the excitement of a British trend finally reaching the U.S.: chickpea snacks, which are the equivalent of popcorn or peanuts. Stole the words right from my mouth, or my oven moreover. So, guess, I’m just on top of things?
Procedure: Preheat oven to a low 300 degrees F. Drain, rinse, and pat dry a can of chickpeas. Either toss the chickpeas in olive oil or spritz them with a bit of water (depending on if you’re watching your fat) then toss them in spices. For today’s snack, I chose a bit of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, until dried out but not to a burning point. Let cool, then snack away!
These are a great way to bring a healthy alternative to a party! It’s especially helpful to have recipes like these in your pocket this holiday season, between all the cocktail parties and sports tailgating and get-togethers. Bring a bowl of these and have a great time!
