Introduction
When it comes to satisfying my cravings for a crunchy, salty snack, piri piri roasted chickpeas have become my ultimate go-to treat. Not only do they deliver that irresistible crunch, but the bold and flavorful piri piri seasoning takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. As someone who enjoys spicier snacks with depth and complexity, I’ve found that piri piri roasted chickpeas are the perfect way to indulge while still benefiting from the many nutritional advantages that chickpeas have to offer.
Piri Piri Roasted Chickpeas: The Ultimate, Flavor-Packed Snack Champion!
Did you know that a single cup of chickpeas boasts 15 grams of protein, 12 grams of dietary fiber, and an array of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, and magnesium? (1)
The high fiber content in chickpeas not only aids in digestion but also assists in weight management and reduces the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Plus, their low glycemic index makes them a great option for individuals with diabetes, as they help to regulate blood sugar levels. (2)
Chickpeas are not only delicious and nutritious but also sustainable and versatile. Compared to other protein sources like beef or pork, chickpeas require less water and have a lower carbon footprint. Moreover, they can be planted in colder climates during the autumn, taking advantage of winter rainfall while avoiding the extreme heat of summer, benefiting crop production. (3)
Their versatility shines as they can be added to various dishes, including soups, stews, and of course, hummus. And let’s not forget about the flavorful Tikka Masala! Chickpeas truly bring the spice, flavor, and filling qualities to the table at an affordable cost.
The Chickpea’s Impact on My Weekly Meal Planning Routine.
Incorporating chickpeas into my weekly meal plan has been a game-changer. With a busy schedule of work and studies, meal prepping is essential to keep my hunger at bay. My meal prep Sundays always include cooked and prepared foods ready in the fridge, and roasted chickpeas are a staple on my list. In Canada, chickpeas are available at an average price of $1.32 to $2.65 per kilogram, making them a budget-friendly option. (4)
Even though they are affordable, dried chickpeas are low-maintenance and can be stored in an airtight container for months. They make a perfect afternoon or post-workout snack, an excellent addition to salads, and a delightful topping for soups.
My initial attempt at roasting chickpeas was an effort to create a satisfying snack reminiscent of chips but with a smaller portion and more filling qualities. Chickpeas proved to be the ideal choice for the task!
Perfect Piri Piri Roasted Chickpeas: My Favorite Technique for Delicious, Crispy Results.
When I roast chickpeas, I exclusively use dried chickpeas. Although I’ve tried recipes that recommend using canned chickpeas, they never achieve the same satisfying crunch as the dried variety.
To ensure the best results when using dried chickpeas for snacking, keep the following tips in mind:
- Soak chickpeas overnight in an airtight container, covered by an inch or two of water. If you forget to soak them overnight, an 8-hour soak should suffice.
- Drain the water and gently pat the chickpeas dry with a clean tea towel. This step is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture during roasting.
- Transfer the chickpeas to a salad or mixing bowl, and coat them with avocado oil and your preferred spices. In the recipe provided below, I draw inspiration from my Portuguese heritage and opt for the classic piri piri seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded, to enable even heat circulation and achieve the desired crunchiness.
- After cooking, allow the chickpeas to cool for 10 minutes. They may not feel crunchy when removed from the oven, but this resting period will ensure they develop the perfect texture.
While I use piri piri in this recipe, I’ve experimented with various spices, particularly salad dressing mixes. Roasted chickpeas with French onion dip seasoning create an irresistible treat.
Lastly, avoid refrigerating the roasted chickpeas, as this will cause them to become soft and lose their crunch. Store them in an airtight container on your pantry shelf for up to a week.
Crispy Piri Piri Roasted Chickpeas
Equipment
- 1 Cookie Sheet
- 1 Convection Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chickpeas Dried
- 1 tsp Avocado oil Cold pressed
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Piri Piri Seasoning
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit.
- Cover chickpeas with water by 2 inches and soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Pat chickpeas dry.
- Add avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, piri piri seasoning and toss until they are coated nicely.
- Lay flat on a cookie sheet, and once oven is warmed, put chickpeas into oven.
- Toss chickpeas on cookie sheets once every 15 min until fully cooked. Total roasting time 30-40 minutes.
- Once crunchy, let them cool on the cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to an air tight container. Do not put into fridge or else you will lose its crunch.
- Feel free to add to salads, snacks and buddha bowls as a compliment.
Conclusion.
If you enjoy roasted chickpeas as much as I do, don’t hesitate to experiment by incorporating them into various dishes or snacking on them in different ways. For instance, when I’m watching a movie or my favorite reality TV show, a half cup of roasted chickpeas satisfies my craving for something crunchy and salty, keeping me satiated with a smaller portion.
This is just one of the many ways I address my craving for salty and crunchy snacks. I’d love to hear your go-to snack ideas when craving something salty and crunchy. What do you reach for when that craving strikes?
