Za’atar roasted chickpeas are the perfect combination of crunchy, flavorful, and healthy, offering a savory snack with a Middle Eastern twist. The fragrant za’atar spice blend enhances the natural nuttiness of chickpeas, creating a delightful treat that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to make a healthy snack that is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. The za’atar blend – made up of sumac, thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt – adds a delicious, earthy taste to the crispy roasted chickpeas. Not only are these chickpeas rich in protein and fiber, but they also provide a unique flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. This snack is perfect for those looking for a satisfying treat that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare!
Ingredients
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2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 heaping tbsp za’atar
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Kosher salt, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pour the rinsed and drained chickpeas onto a kitchen towel and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
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Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the chickpeas, then sprinkle with za’atar and kosher salt. Stir to coat evenly.
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Roast the chickpeas in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 45 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Za’atar Chickpeas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the za’atar seasoning for an extra kick.
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Garlic Za’atar Chickpeas: Mix in a bit of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
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Sweet and Savory: For a sweet twist, drizzle the chickpeas with a small amount of honey or maple syrup before roasting, and sprinkle with a little cinnamon.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the roasted chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
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Reheating: To refresh the chickpeas and regain some of their crunch, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chickpeas first. Soak the dried chickpeas overnight, then cook them until tender before following the roasting instructions.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chickpeas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for several days.
3. Can I make this recipe without za’atar?
If you don’t have za’atar, you can create a similar flavor by combining thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac (or lemon zest if you can’t find sumac).
4. How do I make the chickpeas even crispier?
Ensure that you pat the chickpeas completely dry before roasting, as moisture will prevent them from getting crispy. You can also bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes for a more crunchy texture.
5. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegan and a great option for plant-based diets.
6. Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, you can try other beans like white beans or black beans, though chickpeas are the most ideal for this recipe due to their size and texture.
7. Can I bake these chickpeas at a lower temperature?
It’s best to bake them at 400°F for the crispest results. Lower temperatures may result in less crispy chickpeas.
8. How long do roasted chickpeas stay fresh?
Roasted chickpeas stay fresh for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
9. Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like cumin, paprika, or coriander to customize the flavor.
10. Can I make this recipe without olive oil?
Olive oil is recommended for its flavor and crisping ability, but you can substitute it with any other vegetable oil or even coconut oil.
Conclusion
Za’atar roasted chickpeas are a deliciously healthy snack that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. With a simple list of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this crunchy, savory treat in no time. Perfect for meal prepping, parties, or just a mid-day snack, these chickpeas are sure to become a favorite. So next time you’re craving something savory, give this recipe a try!
