BEST Roasted Chickpea Seasoning

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Here's a crispy roasted chickpea seasoning recipe that you're going to love! Full of Mediterranean flavors, these crunchy oven-roasted chickpeas are one of those easy recipes that can quickly take a dish from fine to fabulous.

The choice of seasonings really makes all the difference when it comes to roasted chickpeas. This recipe is an all-rounder that goes well with a variety of dishes and pleases both kids and adults.

You can add these crispy chickpeas to grain bowls, roasted veggies, and pasta. Alternatively, use them as a soup or salad topper. But personally, I usually eat them as a healthy and hearty snack straight from the jar because they are THAT GOOD.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Key ingredients and substitutions
Elo's tips
Step-by-step instructions
Storage tips
Frequently asked questions
The recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Crunchy texture: Roasting chickpeas in the oven creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy center, making them a satisfying snack or topping for salads and bowls.
Nutritious: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack or addition to any meal.
Easy to make with basic ingredients: Roasting chickpeas is a simple process requiring minimal preparation, a can of chickpeas, and a few simple ingredients.
Affordable: Canned chickpeas are a cheap pantry staple that can be easily transformed into a delicious snack or meal, making it a budget-friendly recipe.
Perfect for meal prep: Roasted chickpeas can be made in large batches and stored for up to a week, making them a great addition to your meal prep routine. This is a super way to pimp your favorite salad!
Great substitute for croutons: Roasted chickpeas make a tasty and healthy substitute for croutons on salads, soups, and other dishes, providing an added crunch and flavor.
Savory protein-packed snack to swap out for potato chips!
Kid-friendly: Kids love roasted chickpeas' crunchy texture and savory flavors, making them a great snack or addition to a kid's meal.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Canned chickpeas/Garbanzo beans: If you don't have canned chickpeas, you can use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked until tender. Use about 1 ½ cups of cooked chickpeas for every 15-ounce can of chickpeas. You can also use other types of beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, instead of chickpeas.
Tomato paste adds a rich tomato flavor and helps the spices stick to the chickpeas. If you don't have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce, ketchup, or even barbecue sauce. Use about 1 tablespoon of sauce for every tablespoon of tomato paste called for in the recipe.
Harissa: This North African hot sauce is made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices. If you don't have harissa, you can use other hot sauces, such as sriracha or Tabasco, or you can use red pepper flakes. Use about 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for every tablespoon of harissa called for in the recipe.
Fresh garlic/sub garlic powder: Fresh garlic adds a pungent flavor to the chickpeas. You can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar if you don't have fresh garlic. Use about ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for every clove of fresh garlic called for in the recipe.
Dried thyme and oregano are classic Mediterranean herbs that pair well with chickpeas. If you don't have dried thyme or oregano, you can use other dried herbs, such as rosemary or basil.

Other spices (optional), such as black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder, and taco seasoning can add heat and flavor to the chickpeas. You can adjust the amounts to your liking.

Elo's tips

Watch the chickpeas for the last 10 minutes, as they can burn pretty quickly. You want them to be crispy to the touch. Cover with aluminum foil if they start getting dark but are not crispy yet.
Remove chickpea skins for easier digestion. Submerge them in a bowl with water and rub them in between your hands. The loose skins will swim to the surface and can easily be removed with a skimmer.

Step-by-step instructions

STEP 1: Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a fin-mesh sieve.

STEP 2: Dry the chickpeas well with paper towels or a clean dish towel to remove excess moisture.

STEP 3: Make the seasoning. Peel and crush the garlic with a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife. Combine the olive oil, tomato paste, harissa, garlic, oregano, and salt in a medium bowl.

STEP 4: Add the dried chickpeas to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated.

STEP 5: Place the coated chickpeas, in a single layer, on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

STEP 6: Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes (fan) until golden brown and crispy. Cool the chickpeas to room temperature.

Storage tips

Store in an airtight container: this is to prevent moisture from getting in, which can cause them to become soft or stale.

Keep in a dry place: Store roasted chickpeas in a dry place away from direct sunlight, as moisture and light can affect their texture and flavor.

Consume within a week: Roasted chickpeas can last up to a week when stored correctly in an airtight container in a dry place. However, for the best quality and flavor, consuming them within a few days of roasting is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

What to do with roasted chickpeas?

Eat them as a snack or pop them into a salad. Replace regular croutons with these healthier alternatives.

Why aren't my chickpeas crispy?

It's likely that they either weren't dried properly after being drained and rinsed or coated in enough oil.

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The recipe