Ingredients
2 cans of Chickpeas (or garbanzo beans depending on where you live)
2 tbs garlic bread spread powder
1 tbs old bay
Salt
2 tbs olive oil
Directions:
Drain and wash the chickpeas under cold water
Spread on a kitchen towel and pick through to remove any husks
Using another dish towel or paper towels, thoroughly dry the chickpeas
Really really dry!
Spread on a sheet pan covered in foil
Drizzle olive oil on top and roll about to cover
Sprinkle seasonings over the chickpeas
Sprinkle with a healthy amount of salt or salt substitute
Place sheet pan in a COLD oven and turn on to 350F for 45 min
DO NOT open the oven when done
Leave pan in oven approx.. 1 hour until cooled
The chickpeas should be nice and crunchy
If they are still slightly soft, turn oven back on to 350 and cook until dry (watch them closely here as they don’t usually need much additional time and will burn easily)
Let cool on tray, place in a bowl and serve
The Story:
So…chickpeas. An actual healthy food that tastes like chalk. Yes, they do taste that way to me, BUT they do easily take flavor and are an excellent blank slate full of protein to add to other dishes. Who doesn’t love Hummus after all? However, this has become my favorite way to eat them. I love snacking and this satisfies the salty-crunchy need over potato chips. It’s also inexpensive, widely available and takes nothing more than a bit of time. They can be used as a garnish on salads, crushed up and put over mac and cheese, mixed with your favorite Chex mix. You get the idea. Essentially anyplace you want a bit of garlicky, salty crunch.
Suggested substitutions
The best part of these things is you can flavor them however you want! Use BBQ seasoning, Ranch seasoning, just some salt and pepper. I have also soaked them after washing in soy sauce or vinegar. You can even sprinkle some vinegar or soy on with the oil, although be warned it will take a longer time in the oven to get fully crisp. I’ve added turmeric, cayenne, and old bay. Lemon pepper works well too. I may even experiment with using pickle juice to see if I like it. No matter what flavor you use, these are a very healthy, high protein snack that is really guilt free.