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Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas


  • Author: Amanda

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed thoroughly. Chickpeas form the base of this recipe, providing a hearty and nutritious foundation. Rinsing removes excess sodium and canning liquid.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps the spices adhere to the chickpeas and promotes crispiness during roasting. It also adds a touch of healthy fat.
  • Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, ground. Cinnamon is the star spice, lending its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that defines this recipe.
  • Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons, pure maple syrup. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, complementing the cinnamon beautifully.
  • Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon, packed light or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of molasses flavor, contributing to the overall depth of taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle aromatic complexity.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the roasted chickpeas.


Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven preheated to the right temperature is crucial for ensuring the chickpeas roast properly and become crispy without burning.
  2. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander under cold running water. This step is important to remove excess sodium and the starchy canning liquid, which can hinder crispiness. Once rinsed, pat the chickpeas very dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. The drier the chickpeas, the crispier they will become when roasted. Spread them out on a clean towel and gently roll them around to ensure they are as dry as possible. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect crunchy texture.
  3. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a smooth, slightly thick glaze. This mixture will coat the chickpeas and infuse them with delicious flavor.
  4. Coat the Chickpeas: Add the dried chickpeas to the bowl with the spice mixture. Toss the chickpeas thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the cinnamon-maple glaze. Use your hands or a spatula to gently stir and coat every chickpea, making sure no chickpea is left uncoated for maximum flavor in every bite.
  5. Spread on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking (though it’s not strictly necessary). Spread the coated chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chickpeas instead of roasting them, resulting in a less crispy texture. If needed, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer.
  6. Roast the Chickpeas: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. The roasting time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the desired level of crispiness. Halfway through the roasting time, around 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the chickpeas. This helps them to roast evenly on all sides.
  7. Check for Crispness and Adjust Roasting Time: After 20 minutes, check the chickpeas for crispness. They should be golden brown and slightly crispy to the touch. If they are not yet crispy enough, return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of roasting as the sugars can caramelize quickly and burn if left unattended.
  8. Cool and Crisp Up: Once roasted to your desired crispness, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cinnamon roasted chickpeas cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they will crisp up even further. Resist the temptation to eat them immediately, as they will be softer when hot. Allowing them to cool completely is essential for achieving the ultimate crunchy texture.
  9. Enjoy! Once cooled and crispy, your cinnamon roasted chickpeas are ready to be enjoyed! They can be eaten immediately as a snack, stored for later, or used in various recipes. Store any leftover chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 5g