Spiced Lemon Roasted Chickpeas are a crunchy, salty snack that's also good for you.
The Versatile Chickpea
Chickpeas are a pantry staple for me. This versatile legume is great for soups, stews, curries, (like this Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry), salads, ( like this Sweet potato Quinoa Chickpea Salad) and of course, hummus ( Roasted Beet Hummus, or Pumpkin Hummus) Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are used in cuisines all over the world, but especially in India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
Chickpea Nutrition
Roasted chickpeas are one of those snacks that make it hard to stop munching. This is totally OK because they're so are low in fat and calories. And they are high in fibre, protein, and important vitamins and minerals. Especially, iron, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium. Chickpeas are nutrition superstars. Here's some more thorough info: The Benefits of Chickpeas. So you can skip the chips and feel good about cozying up with a bowl of roasted chickpeas for your next movie night.
Roasted chickpeas have a satisfying crunch, which makes them perfect as a gluten-free crouton for topping salads and creamy soups. They are also perfect for putting out as a cocktail snack for gatherings, or a tasty addition to a cheeseboard.
Canned vs Dried Chickpeas
I'm using canned chickpeas for this recipe because it's just easy. And there is no nutritional difference between canned and dried chickpeas. So having some cans in the pantry means there's always a good source of plant-based protein for any recipe.
Lemon Roasted Chickpeas Are Easy To Make
The best thing about these spiced lemon roasted chickpeas is how easy they are to make. Just toss them in a small bit of oil and salt, then roast them in the oven until they get golden and crunchy. Then you can toss them again with whatever spices you like. This recipe is easily doubled, which I recommend since they won't last long.
Spiced Lemon Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 12 oz chickpeas (1 can) drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Blot chickpeas dry with paper towels. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil and salt
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet
- Bake in center of the oven for 30 minutes, shaking the pan every ten minutes
- In a bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, garlic powder, turmeric powder, and paprika. Whisk in lemon juice to form a paste.
- Remove chickpeas from the oven, transfer them to the bowl with the spice paste, and toss. Return to the baking sheet and put back in the oven for 5 minutes
- Remove from oven and allow chickpeas to cool
- Enjoy
Nutrition
Yum! I haven't quite perfected my roasted chick pea recipe and this looks right up my alley! I'm totally going to give these a go, I love these flavours too. Beautiful recipe, Colleen!
Hi Justine! Thanks so much. I think you'll love how easy these are and such a crispy, flavour filled snack.
Hi Colleen, I am a sucker for chick pea snacks, and this is a spice / flavour combo I have not come across before. Can't wait to try it! Great tips, by the way! Best regards, Diane | Kitchen Bliss | FBC
Hi Diane! I hope you do try, because these are a yummy snack!
This sounds delicious! I absolutely love snacking on crispy roasted chickpeas and I'm always looking for more ways to flavor them. I've never thought to go with lemon! I'm excited!
Hey Dana! Since you are already a fan of this awesome snack, I think you'll love them with lemon. It's perfect with so many salads and soups, too.
What a great idea to replace chips and croutons with chickpeas! I must try these!
These are addicting, Cathy! I hope you try them because I think you'll love them. 🙂
Roasted chickpeas are such a healthy snack that even my kids love. I usually mix the spices in before roasting, but I’m going to try adding them after next time I make them like you do in your recipe. I wonder if it makes a bigger flavour punch? These look great!!
Hi Natalie! I found that when I put the spices on right away, there was more tendency for them to burn, so this way works great for me.
These roasted chickpeas look amazing! I have yet to try making them on my own, though I have had them before. Delicious!
They are so easy Kate! Once you give these a try, you'll be making them all the time. Easier than popcorn 🙂
I have a random can of chickpeas in my cupboard that I haven't known what to do with for ages! This wonderful snack sounds perfect and I'll bet my kids are going to enjoy them too. Love the flavors you seasoned the roasted chickpeas with.
Amy, don't let that can of chickpeas be random any longer. Make these, your kids will love them! 🙂
I always have chickpeas in the house. This sounds like a delicious and healthy snack. Eating these throughout the day instead of cookies or other unhealthy options is a great alternative. Used on salads or as casserole toppings too.
Gloria, these make perfect salad or soup toppings!
I adore roasted chickpeas and your Lemon flavoured ones sound utterly delicious:-)
I adore them too, Camilla, and I think we can come up with just as many flavorings for them as there are for chips, if not more. 🙂
what a great healthy snack - looks so delicious
Thanks Chef Mireille! Snacks like these roasted chickpeas make you forget that you're going healthy, haha.