Cajun Spiced Roasted Chickpeas (Print Version)
Crispy, spicy roasted chickpeas with bold Cajun flavors. A healthy, addictive snack or salad topping that's vegan and gluten-free.
# What You Need:
→ Chickpeas
01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
→ Spice Mix
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chickpeas thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Remove any loose skins to enhance crispiness.
03 - In a large bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil until evenly coated.
04 - Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure even spice distribution.
05 - Spread seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the pan or stirring every 10 minutes until chickpeas are golden and crisp.
07 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Chickpeas will continue to crisp as they cool.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The chickpeas develop this incredible shell-like crunch that makes potato chips seem boring in comparison.
- You can customize the spice level to match your mood, from gentle warmth to legitimate fire.
02 -
- The first time I made these, I used canned chickpeas without drying them properly and ended up with chewy, not crispy, disappointment.
- Removing the loose skins might seem tedious, but it makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
03 -
- On humid days, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time – moisture in the air works against achieving maximum crispiness.
- A sprinkle of nutritional yeast in the spice mix adds a cheesy flavor dimension that complements the Cajun spices beautifully.