Spicy Baked Chickpeas

A can of chickpeas in our house usually means a batch of hummus. I have a serious addiction to hummus. It's a good think it's healthy for you. I'd been wanting to try something else with chickpeas for a while. I just couldn't bring myself to do it because of my deep, deep love for hummus. Did I mention I LOVE hummus, yet? Ha ha! 

Today I finally got up the courage to make something other than hummus with the chickpeas in the cabinets. Enter my new love...spicy baked chickpeas! Oh my goodness! They are so tasty and good for you too! I can already tell that this will be a staple snack in our house. Chickpeas are full of protein and fiber. Just be sure not to eat the whole bowl in one sitting! 

Chickpeas, EVOO, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, and Salt.

Drain the chickpeas.

Rinse chickpeas and drain well.

In a small bowl combine EVOO, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, and Salt.

Whisk to combine.

Once you've drained the chickpeas, pour them out over a paper towel.

Use another paper towel over the top and gently roll over the chickpeas to dry them off.

Chickpeas have a skin, some of this will be removed while drying. You can just throw  the skin away.

Pour chickpeas in the bowl with the EVOO mixture.

Stir to coat the chickpeas.

Pour chickpeas onto a baking sheet. I lined mine with foil.

Spread chickpeas out over pan.
 

Place in a 400 degree oven for 35 minutes.

Chickpeas will be golden and crunchy. Be sure to pay close attention to them near the end of cooking time to make sure they don't burn.

Voila! A healthy snack!

Don't they look yummy?!

Spicy Baked Chickpeas

Serves 3

1 can of chickpeas

1 tbs EVOO

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground cumin

pinch of cayenne pepper

Salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain and rinse chickpeas well. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients, whisk. Pour chickpeas onto paper towel. Using another paper towel, gently roll or pat the chickpeas to dry. Remove any skin. Place chickpeas in bowl with EVOO mixture and stir to combine. Pour chickpeas onto a baking sheet and spread out. Place in oven for 35 minutes until golden and crispy. Be sure to pay attention to the chickpeas near the end of the cooking time to make sure they don't burn. Enjoy!

They're delightfully crunchy!

I can't wait to make these again and experiment with different seasonings! You may as well go ahead and make a double batch because they'll be gone in no time! :)

Peace, Love, and Healthy Living,

Jessica