Crunchy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy oven-roasted chickpeas are a tasty and healthy snack, perfect for an aperitif or as an alternative to potato chips. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 400 g of cooked chickpeas (or dry chickpeas, soaked and then cooked)
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
• Sweet or smoked paprika (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Preparation

1. If using dry chickpeas, soak them overnight and then boil in water until tender. Drain and dry the cooked chickpeas well.
2. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
3. Dry the chickpeas thoroughly with kitchen paper to remove any residual moisture. This is an important step to ensure they become crispy.
4. In a bowl, mix the chickpeas with the extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and the spices you have chosen (rosemary, paprika, garlic).
5. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap too much.
6. Place the chickpeas in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. It’s advisable to turn them occasionally for even browning.
7. Once ready, let the chickpeas cool down before serving.

Italian Variation: You can add a truly Italian touch by using aromatic herbs like rosemary or oregano and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan in the last minutes of cooking for an even more flavorful version.

Curiosity

Chickpeas are not only a delicious snack but are also rich in protein and fiber, which makes them a great plant-based alternative to animal proteins. They are a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen and have been used in Mediterranean culture for centuries.