Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, salty, and oh so yummy! Chickpeas, are inexpensive, readily available in your local supermarket, and packed with fiber, protein, folate and iron.. When roasted, chickpeas become crunchy, almost like a nut. They are great as a snack or sprinkled on salads in place of croutons. The key to this recipe is to keep stirring the chickpeas as they cook, and checking often to make sure they are golden brown, but not too done. You want them crispy!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

• Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz. can chickpeas

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• kosher salt or sea salt, or garlic salt

• Paprika, cayenne, or curry powder ( optional)

To Prepare

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

• Toss chickpeas with olive oil and kosher salt.

• Spread out in an even layer on a heavy baking sheet lined with parchment paper

• Roast 20-30 minutes.

• Take out of oven and sprinkle with your spices

• Store at room temperature lightly covered but best when just cooked

Note: For best results, watch the chickpeas carefully. There is a perfect point when the chickpeas become crunchy and golden, almost like nuts. Roast them too long, and they get too hard. Too short, and they taste too soft.

Makes 3-4 servings.

Healthy Hummus

Add some protein and fiber to your diet as well as some powerful B vitamins, folate and iron! The perfect, quick, high protein snack that can be used as a dip with veggies, in a wrap, or even in a recipe to add flavor and texture. Tip: You can find this in any grocery store in a small container ( and grab some baby carrots) for a last minute Grab and Go snack!

Ingredients

• 2 (15oz) cans of chickpeas drained ( reserve the liquid)

• 4 Tbsps. of fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup sesame tahini ( use a brand that is a not too thick)

• 1-2 cloves of garlic grated

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cumin

• Dash of cayenne pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling

• c hopped parsley for serving

• Paprika for serving

To Prepare

In a food processor combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, olive oil, and ⅓ cup of the reserved liquid from your chickpeas.

Process for several minutes until smooth and creamy.

Add more liquid and process again if it seems too thick.

Adjust to taste garnish.

May be made a few days ahead for easy prep.