Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

During the summer months when I’m home a lot of the time, it’s nice to have something around the house to snack on.  I’m always on the lookout for a healthier alternative to usual snack foods such as potato chips, cookies, crackers, etc. and one day I came across this recipe for roasted chickpeas.  They certainly aren’t lacking in the flavor department, but their kick comes mostly from a plethora of spices instead of fat and sugar.  Roasting the chickpeas gives them a great crispy texture, and you can adjust the seasonings to your liking to make them as spicy as you wish.  These are great for a high-protein, healthy snack to eat by the handful during hot summer days…or any time of the year!

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

1 15-oz can chickpeas (Garbanzo beans)

1 1/2 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Drain and rinse chickpeas, pat dry, and set aside.  In a large bowl, mix together olive oil and spices.  Toss chickpeas in the spice mixture and then place onto a lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, give a quick stir, and then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Remove when chickpeas are lightly browned and crispy.  Let cool, and then eat!

(Recipe from Our Best Bites, originally adapted from What’s Gaby Cooking)