Crispy, Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
• Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it preheats. This ensures the chickpeas start roasting as soon as they hit the hot surface, enhancing their crispiness.
2. Prepare the Chickpeas:
• Drain and Rinse: Open the can of chickpeas and pour them into a colander. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid.
• Dry Completely: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the chickpeas dry. Removing moisture is key to achieving that coveted crunch.
3. Season the Chickpeas:
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure each chickpea is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
4. Roast the Chickpeas:
• Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the hot baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring or shaking the pan every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
• Once the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven.
• Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.