Ingredients
- 1 15.5 oz. can organic chickpeas
- Olive oil (in a spray can or mister)
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Garlic Powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Rinse, drain, and pat the chickpeas dry.
- Line a baking sheet with a piece of foil. Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the foil.
- Lightly mist the chickpeas with olive oil (if you don’t have a mister, use about ¼ to ½ tsp. of olive oil – you just need enough for the spices to adhere to and to help the chickpeas get a little bit crispier).
- Dust the tops of the chickpeas with all of the spices: chili powder, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Using a spoon (or clean hands!) toss the chickpeas around with the spices, then spread back in a single layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven to stir the chickpeas around, then bake for another 15 minutes.
- These are great and crunchy fresh out of the oven, or can be stored (once cool) in an air tight container for a day.
Serving suggestions: these crispy chickpeas make a yummy vegetarian protein for lunch or dinner, a crunchy salad topper, or a protein and fiber-packed snack.
Nutrition
Makes three servings. Per serving: 115 calories, 1.4 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 280 mg sodium*, 18.3 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 6 g protein.
*Sodium will be less if you use a no salt added can of chickpeas or you boil your own. Up to 40% of sodium is also lost by rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a good source (if not great or excellent) of molybdenum, manganese, folate, fiber, tryptophan, protein, copper, phosphorus, and iron. Garbanzo beans offer digestive tract support, antioxidants, decreased cardiovascular risks, improved blood sugar regulation, and increased chances for satiety/ can lead to decreased overall caloric intake.
Olive Oil: 75% of olive oil is made up of monounsaturated fats. Studies have shown when individuals increase their intake of monounsaturated fat (and decrease intake of other fats), their triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels decrease. Olive oil also contains a wide variety of polyphenols, which contribute to a variety of their health benefits, like their anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
Cinnamon: While studies are still being done on the health properties of cinnamon, current studies suggest cinnamon may play a role in lowering blood sugar, particularly in diabetics. Additionally, some studies are hinting that cinnamon may also offer antioxidant effects, fight bacteria, and reduce inflammation.
Garlic: Garlic is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, calcium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and copper. It offers cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory benefits, antibacterial and antiviral benefits, and cancer prevention. Also, recent studies are suggesting garlic may even improve the absorption of iron.
Chili Powder: Chili powder can relieve achy joints, as capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has an anti-inflammatory effect. This can help ease arthritic swelling and pain.
