Crunchy Chickpeas Peanut Butter
A quick, crunchy, and protein-packed snack, these peanut butter roasted chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and easy to prepare. Perfect for snacking, topping salads, or meal prep, they deliver a balance of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors that satisfy cravings without guilt.
Equipment
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 kitchen towel or paper towel
- 1 baking tray
- Parchment paper or baking paper
- 1 – Spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 15- oz can chickpeas or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or preferred sweetener
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
- 1 teaspoon vinegar of choice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Start by draining your canned chickpeas in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess salt or canning liquid. After rinsing, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or a layer of paper towels. Gently pat the chickpeas dry, making sure to remove as much moisture as possible. Drying them properly is crucial to achieving a crisp, crunchy texture during roasting.
- Make the Peanut Butter Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener), 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), 1 teaspoon vinegar of choice, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like a subtle kick. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. The peanut butter should be evenly incorporated with the liquids to form a creamy, slightly thick marinade.
- Coat the Chickpeas: Transfer the dried chickpeas to a larger mixing bowl. Pour the prepared peanut butter marinade over the chickpeas. Using a spatula or a spoon, gently toss the chickpeas to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Take your time in this step to make sure each chickpea is fully covered; this will help the flavor stick and create a uniform, delicious taste after roasting.
- Marinate the Chickpeas: Once coated, allow the chickpeas to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour. During this time, the flavors will infuse into the chickpeas, creating a rich, nutty, savory-sweet profile. If you prefer, you can even refrigerate them for a longer marination of up to 2–3 hours to intensify the flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: About 10 minutes before roasting, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Lining your baking tray with parchment paper or baking paper ensures the chickpeas won’t stick and makes cleanup easier. The preheated oven is essential to achieve a consistent, golden-brown roast.
- Spread Chickpeas on Tray: Carefully transfer the marinated chickpeas onto the lined baking tray. Spread them into a single, even layer, making sure none are overlapping. Overcrowding the tray can cause the chickpeas to steam rather than roast, so give them enough space to develop that perfect crispiness.
- Roast Until Golden: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the chickpeas for 20–25 minutes. About halfway through, gently shake the tray or use a spatula to stir the chickpeas so they brown evenly on all sides. Keep a close eye during the final 5 minutes to avoid burning; you want them dark golden and crispy but not charred.
- Cool and Serve: Once roasted to perfection, remove the tray from the oven and allow the chickpeas to cool slightly. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve them warm for a crunchy snack, or let them cool completely before storing. These chickpeas are perfect as a standalone snack, tossed into salads, or sprinkled over grain bowls for added protein and texture.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store cooled chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes to bring back their crunch. Avoid storing in plastic bags at room temperature for extended periods, as they can become soggy.
Notes
- Dry Chickpeas Thoroughly: Ensuring your chickpeas are completely dry before coating them with the marinade is key for achieving a crisp texture. Any leftover moisture can make them soggy during roasting.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the chickpeas to sit in the peanut butter mixture for at least an hour enhances the depth of flavor. For even bolder taste, you can refrigerate them for a couple of hours.
- Watch the Oven: Roasting times can vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the chickpeas during the last few minutes to prevent burning while achieving a rich golden-brown color.
- Adjust Sweetness or Spice: The maple syrup and cayenne pepper can be modified to suit your taste. Add more sweetness for a dessert-like snack or more cayenne for a subtle heat kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari to ensure the recipe is completely gluten-free without compromising flavor.