Crunchy Pumpkin Chikpeas

Hannah Sunderani
Oct 26, 2016
3 min read

I can't think of a better snack for a scary Halloween horror film than these Crunchy Pumpkin Chickpeas. Seriously....it's better than popcorn! It's not often that I attribute this status to novel treats over the classics, but these Crunchy Pumpkin Chickpeas are on point! They are perfectly crunchy and flavourful like a bag of chips....except they're healthy! "Wait...they're savoury and they're healthy!?" That's right my friend. These chickpeas are a guilt-free snack; so you can focus entirely on your scary movie instead of what's in your bowl. Or, better yet, you can enjoy these crunchy chickpeas under that knitted blanket while you attempt to watch Dracula rise from the dead! I know that's how I'll be enjoying them! Eek!

If deliciously savoury and healthy weren't already reasons enough to love these roasted chickpeas then the fact you can enjoy them in so many flavours will be. These roasted chickpeas are just like chips in this way; enjoyable in every flavour from Spicy All Dressed, to Perfectly Cheesy, even to this pumpkin spiced flavour. Heck, you can roast them with only salt and pepper and they're still a crunchy delight! The flavour medleys are limitless, to suit everyones taste and preference.

Let me break it down for you:

Like Chips: They are SO flavourful and can be made in any variety of tastes! Each flavour being as deliciously memorable as the next! Remember that Dorito commercial where the kid eats one and his eyes go into a swirly vortex of flavour overload? Welcome to the real thing. You will be spinning in delight after every crunch!

Unlike Chips: They are baked, not fried; making them much healthier than chips! And they are protein packed! So you can eat guilt-free.

Like popcorn: They've got that grab-them-by-the-handful quality we love, and are perfect for sharing. They've also got that rewarding snacky sounds as your pour them into the bowl, or fluff up the last few. And, just like popcorn, one sudden startle from a freaky film and that bowl of chickpeas will be flying everywhere! So be careful when watching that scary movie....and maybe set the bowl down on your coffee table instead of your lap.

Unlike popcorn: They are waaay more flavourful, and don't require heaps of butter or coconut oil for taste. And again, they are protein packed! ;)

As you can see these Crunchy Pumpkin Chickpeas are a perfect guilt-free and deliciously savoury snack for movie night - instead of those greasy chips or flavourless popcorn. They've got the wonderful qualities of both; best of all being that crunchy eat-with-your-fingers-in-an-oversized-bowl requirement that is oh-so necessary for any move night occasion.

So sit back and enjoy your Halloween horror film with a bowl of these crunchy goodies. I'm sure it will be the perfect way to enjoy a little scare. Because if Frankenstein or Count Dracula aren't able to scare you, I'm sure the rate at which you consume this entire bowl will! Good thing they're guilt-free. ;)

Crunchy Pumpkin Chickpeas

Serves: 5-6| Prep Time: 10 mins| Cook Time: 20-30 mins

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked chickpeas
1.5-2 tbsp grape seed oil, plus more if needed
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp salt, plus more if desired

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Pat chickpeas completely dry, then line a baking tray with tin foil and spread the chickpeas onto tray. Drizzle chickpeas with grape seed oil and sprinkle on your pumpkin spice and salt. Mix chickpeas gently on tray to ensure all are evenly coated with the mixture. Place in oven to bake for 20-30 minutes, or until crunchy and golden. (To stop chickpeas from burning remove them from the oven every 10 minutes, give them a stir and place back in the oven. To test whether they are crunchy enough remove 2-3 chickpeas from the baking tray and let cool for 3 minutes. Then taste. They should by crunchy like a nut!).

*Note: These Crunchy Pumpkin Spiced Chickpeas can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.

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