Ingredients
- Chickpeas (also known as Garbanzo Beans): 2 cans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed. The base of our snack, providing protein and fiber, and roasting beautifully to a crispy texture.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Essential for coating the chickpeas, helping them crisp up in the oven and adding a touch of healthy fat.
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons. A key flavor component, delivering that signature garlic punch that complements the parmesan perfectly.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth of flavor and a subtle savory note that enhances the overall taste profile.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Provides a herbaceous and slightly earthy undertone, balancing the richness of the parmesan and garlic.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste). Enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the chickpeas properly.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste). Adds a touch of spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup. The star of the show! Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that creates a delightful cheesy coating on the roasted chickpeas.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): 1 tablespoon, chopped. For garnish and a fresh, vibrant finish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chickpeas: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, focus on preparing your chickpeas. Open the cans of chickpeas and drain them thoroughly in a colander. Rinsing the chickpeas under cold water is a crucial step, as it helps to remove any excess starch or liquid from the canning process. This rinsing step is important because it aids in achieving maximum crispiness when roasting. After rinsing, it’s absolutely essential to dry the chickpeas as much as possible. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy roasted chickpeas!
- Dry the Chickpeas Thoroughly: This step is non-negotiable for achieving that perfect crispy texture we’re aiming for. Spread the rinsed and drained chickpeas out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Gently pat them dry with another towel or paper towel layer. You want to remove as much surface moisture as you can. Another excellent method for drying chickpeas is to gently roll them between two clean kitchen towels. This helps to loosen the skins slightly and encourages even drying. Some people even suggest removing the chickpea skins entirely for extra crispiness, but this is optional and can be a bit time-consuming. For this recipe, thorough drying is usually sufficient.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Spices: In a medium-sized bowl, place the thoroughly dried chickpeas. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chickpeas. Using a spoon or your hands, toss the chickpeas to ensure they are evenly coated with the olive oil. This oil coating is vital as it helps the spices adhere to the chickpeas and promotes even roasting and crisping in the oven. Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Again, toss everything together until the chickpeas are uniformly coated with the spice mixture. Make sure every chickpea is seasoned for maximum flavor in every bite. The aroma at this stage will already be enticing!
- Roast the Chickpeas to Crispy Perfection: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s important to arrange them in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding the baking sheet will lead to steaming rather than roasting, resulting in softer, less crispy chickpeas. If necessary, use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. The roasting time can vary depending on your oven and desired level of crispiness. It’s crucial to check on the chickpeas periodically throughout the roasting process.
- Shake and Continue Roasting (Optional): About halfway through the roasting time, around 15 minutes in, remove the baking sheet from the oven and give it a good shake. This helps to ensure even cooking and crisping on all sides of the chickpeas. You can also gently stir them with a spatula if needed. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for the remaining time, or until the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy to your liking. Keep an eye on them, especially in the last few minutes, as they can go from perfectly roasted to slightly burnt quickly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese and Final Roast (Optional): Once the chickpeas are roasted to your desired crispness, remove the baking sheet from the oven once more. Now, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the hot roasted chickpeas. The heat from the chickpeas will help the parmesan cheese to melt slightly and adhere to them beautifully. For an extra cheesy and slightly browned parmesan crust, you can return the baking sheet to the oven for another 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch during this final roasting step to prevent the parmesan from burning. If you prefer a less melted parmesan, you can simply sprinkle it on after removing the chickpeas from the oven and letting them cool slightly.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will crisp up even further as they cool. Resist the urge to eat them all immediately (though it might be difficult!). Once slightly cooled, transfer the roasted chickpeas to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while they are still warm and crispy for the best taste and texture. However, they are also delicious at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two (though they are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness). Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and healthy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8 grams