Crunchy Chickpeas with Aleppo Pepper and Cumin

Crunchy chickpeas are the perfect healthy snack or tasty appetizer! The mildly spicy Aleppo pepper and the warmth of cumin are sprinkled over the toasted chickpeas to give your taste buds an unforgettable experience. These crunchy chickpeas are super addicting and make snacking fun, easy, and delicious!

This simple recipe will make you want to whip up these warm, satisfying snacks anytime quickly. It is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with a cold beer, making it an excellent snack for entertaining guests. 

 Other Seasonings to use

While Aleppo pepper and cumin are an excellent combination for flavoring crunchy chickpeas, there are plenty of other seasonings you can try to switch things up. For example, if you don’t have Aleppo pepper, you can use smoked paprika and red chili flakes for a similar smoky and spicy flavor.

But don’t be afraid to get creative! Experiment with different seasonings in your spice cabinet to find unique flavor combinations. Some other popular options include:

• Curry powder: Add some Indian-inspired flavor with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger.
• Turmeric: This bright yellow spice adds color and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Za’atar: This Middle Eastern spice blend typically includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, creating a tangy and savory flavor.
• Garlic and Herb: Keep it simple with a classic seasoning combo of garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano.

The possibilities are endless regarding seasoning chickpeas, so don’t be afraid to get creative and find your favorite flavor combinations!

Tips For the Crispiest Crunchy Chickpeas:

If you’re struggling to achieve a perfectly crispy texture with your chickpeas, try these tips:

• Drain, wash, and pat dry the chickpeas before cooking. This will help to remove excess starch and moisture, allowing the chickpeas to crisp up more quickly.
• Cook the chickpeas in the oven or on the stovetop in a skillet. This will allow the chickpeas to dry out and crisp up, especially if you’re using canned chickpeas.
• Spread the chickpeas out evenly on the baking sheet or skillet. Don’t overcrowd them. This will prevent them from steaming and clumping together, which can lead to a softer texture.
• Be patient, and don’t stir too often while cooking. This will allow them to form a crispy crust outside without getting too soft.
• Allow the chickpeas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help to maintain their crispy texture for longer.

Various ways you can use your crunchy chickpeas beyond just snacking:

Once you’ve made your delicious and crunchy chickpeas, there are many ways to enjoy them beyond simply snacking on them. One idea is to incorporate them into a mezze selection alongside other Middle Eastern dips and spreads like hummus, tabouleh, and baba ganoush, as well as pita bread and whipped feta. The chickpeas add a satisfying crunch and extra protein to the spread.

Another way to enjoy your crunchy chickpeas is to use them to add texture to salads. They can be a tasty replacement for nuts or croutons, adding a savory crunch to dishes like watermelon and feta salad or lentil and baby spinach salad. They can also be sprinkled on top of a classic tomato panzanella salad for an extra crunch.

Overall, there are plenty of creative ways to use crunchy chickpeas beyond snacking, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different dishes and flavors!