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This easy crunchy dry roasted chickpeas recipe is made in the oven, with no oil required. It’s a perfect healthy snack and crispy side dish that’s meal prep friendly too.

Here we are, making another crunchy, high protein-savoury snack. After the protein all whole wheat crackers recipe, I think we should make a snack that doesn’t require any flour. So what are chickpeas, and why should you try them?

What are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are nutrient-rich legumes that have been cultivated for thousands of years. They belong to the legume family and are renowned for their versatility, nutritional profile, and numerous health benefits.

Nutrition Facts

Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. A one-cup (164g) serving of cooked chickpeas contains approximately:

Calories: 269
Protein: 14.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fiber: 12.5 grams
Fat: 4.2 grams
Iron: 4.7 milligrams
Folate: 282 micrograms
Magnesium: 79 milligrams
Phosphorus: 276 milligrams
Potassium: 477 milligrams
Zinc: 2.5 milligrams

Health Benefits of chickpeas

Rich in Protein: Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle development, tissue repair, and overall body function.
High in Fiber: The fibre content in chickpeas helps regulate bowel movements, reduce cholesterol levels, and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Nutrient-Dense: Chickpeas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, magnesium, and zinc, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Weight Management: The combination of protein and fibre in chickpeas can help promote satiety, making them a valuable addition to weight management diets.
Heart Health: The high fibre content and low saturated fat in chickpeas are beneficial for heart health, as they help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Uses in Dishes

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, both in traditional and modern cuisines. Some popular uses include:

Hummus: A classic Middle Eastern dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Salads: Chickpeas add a nutty flavour and satisfying texture to salads when mixed with fresh vegetables and vinaigrettes.
Curries and Stews: Chickpeas are a common ingredient in various Indian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern curries and stews.
Roasted Snack: Roasted chickpeas seasoned with herbs and spices make for a healthy and crunchy snack. Which is what we’re making today!
Omelettes: I love sprinkling roasted chickpeas onto my single-serving veggie one-layer frittata for some crunchiness.
Falafel: A popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried.
Soups: Chickpeas can be added to soups and chilis for extra protein and substance.

In conclusion, chickpeas are a nutritious and versatile legume with a host of health benefits. Including them in your diet can contribute to overall well-being and provide a delicious addition to various dishes.

Why you should make this dry roasted chickpeas recipe

It’s easy to make, using an oven
Roasted chickpeas are cheap too, all you need is a can of beans and some spices
easily customizable
a great crunchy snack and a healthier chip alternative
a great source of protein and fibre
You can take it anywhere to eat.
Full of flavour and addictive!

Ingredients

Canned chickpeas: something like this one. The ingredients should only be chickpeas and water. I choose ones without salt, but if that’s the only one you have, go for it. However, you might want to dial down the spices in this recipe.

Spices: There are many combinations for oven dry roasted chickpeas. Here are some suggestions besides just salt:

Classic: salt and pepper
Herbs: pepper, Italian seasoning (dried basil, parsley, thyme, chives, etc.)
Pizza: nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese (added near the end), dried tomato powder, Italian seasoning
Spicy curry: curry powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, pepper
Barbecue: dried tomato powder, maple syrup, cayenne pepper
Ranch: garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, pepper, dried parsley, nutritional yeast
Bagel: pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (optional: sesame seeds)

If you have any more combination suggestions, please tell me in the comments beneath the recipe!

Tips to make the best dry roasted chickpeas

Make sure all your chickpeas are completely dry. A little moisture can ruin the chickpeas’ crunchiness
really shuffle the chickpeas each time you take them out of the oven so that they are given the same amount of heat evenly
Leave the oven door slightly open when you finish baking. That is the secret to crunchy, but not burnt chickpeas

How to store dry roasted chickpeas

To store the roasted chickpeas, first, let them cool down completely. Then store them in an AIRTIGHT container for up to one week at room temperature.

If the chickpeas are not as crunchy after storing, don’t freak out, you can restore it. To do this, simply pop it in the oven at 200c/395f for about 10 minutes, or until it’s crunchy again.