Saturday, July 17, 2010

Baked Chickpeas, Take It Off Food #5


Since I've been eating better...chickpea has become a dear close friend. We were always acquaintances (enjoying each others company on occasion), but recently I'm feeling we're inseparable! I'm glad too, as I know many people who can't stomach chickpea...many who can't stand to be in its presence - a "conflicting texture thing."

I quite like chickpea's soft bite and subtle earthy quality. I especially appreciate how chickpea seems open to whatever my mood. Whether pulsed into a soup, hanging in a salad or baked in the oven dressed in marinade of choice...chickpea is a friend I can count on time and time again ~ who leaves my stomach satisfied and my mind full ~ of creative ideas for our next encounter! (...we should all wish for a friend so loyal.)

Baked Chickpeas (adapted from recipes off the web)

1 can Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper
1 T. garam marsala
1t. paprika
1T. brown sugar
1T. chopped, fresh cilantro

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400. Line roasting pan with sides with aluminum foil. Place chickpeas in pan in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and minced garlic. Shake around to coat the chickpeas well.

Now this next part I've seen done different ways - some add other flavors and spices before cooking and some add them right out of the oven. Shown here: I added 1 T garam marsala and 1t. smoked paprika prior to cooking. After 12 minutes, I took them out of the oven and sprinkled with approx 1 T. brown sugar and 1 T. chopped cilantro. S&P to taste. Sweet and Spicy!

Makes a delicious snack or perfect side dish! Get creative with your spices!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't had a chick pea since I was 7 years old. My sister told me they taste like captain crunch, so I tried one. The bitterness and texture were nothing that my young taste buds were expecting or could handle. So I'll take your word for it on this post.

Unknown said...

Ahhh, I think I know who "Anonymous" is on this post. You deserved it, I'm sure you were being a pest to your older sister! In fact I know so... ;) Funny thing ...is with the basis of this recipe... you could make a chickpea taste like captain crunch! Get over it already! Geesh.

Katerina said...

I've never thought of cooking chickpeas this way. Very unusual. thanks for sharing!

Joanne said...

I have a serious LOVE of chickpeas! I've never had them baked but I adore the spices you put on them. These would definitely be a great snack substitute for chips!

The Food Hound said...

I love love love chickpeas! I use them in hummus, soups, and tons of Middle Eastern dishes. The Booze Hound likes them, too :) I can't wait to try this recipe, think the combination of flavors is great. I printed off your chickpea soup to try, too!

Syd said...

Great idea. I'm getting tired of the same "diet foods". Adding chickpeas will be a welcome diversion.