When you want a tasty, filling snack, your first impulse probably isn’t to head to the pantry for a can of beans. However, perhaps you should — specifically, we’re talking about the glory of chickpeas.
These little legumes, also called garbanzo beans, are quite nutritious. Chickpeas provide everything from protein and healthy fats to fiber and a lengthy list of vitamins and minerals. Better still, when roasted, toasted or fried, they can make for a crunchy, highly satisfying treat.
You can easily dry them off, and toss them with oil and roast them for a quick, crunchy nosh, but why stop there? The following flavor combos are so nom-worthy, you will want to toss the beans in your salad, roll them into wraps and devour them by the handful!
Here are 21 delicious, crunchy chickpea recipes you should try:
1. Tandoori-Roasted Chickpeas
This bright, lively, piquant snack from The View From Great Island is loaded with Indian-inspired flavor. Mix up the spices and season before you roast or toss the crunchy chickpeas in the mixture while warm.The View from Great Island
2. Pan-Fried Chickpeas with Lime
The bloggers at Inquiring Chef, the creators of this fiery snack, explained that peeling the chickpeas prior to frying makes for an even more delicious snack. The flavors of paprika, chili, salt, pepper and just a bit of sugar are heightened by the addition of the citrus.
For the person who loves ranch dressing on everything, this recipe from Kim’s Cravings for ranch-seasoned chickpeas is sure to be a hit. Adding them to salads seems like a no-brainer.Kim's Cravings
4. Cocoa Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas
Think chocolate and chickpeas just don’t belong together? Don’t knock it until you have tried it! Give these cocoa cinnamon sugar chickpeas from Steph’s Bite By Bite a chance. They’re perfect for topping off your French vanilla yogurt or mixing in with oatmeal.
If you find it hard to turn down a taco, this savory treat could be your saving grace. With all the flavors of the Mexican food favorite, these crispy, roasted taco chickpeas from She Likes Food can curb a Taco Bell craving.
Consider these morsels from Yuri Elkaim a crisp twist on hummus. A bit of onion, cayenne and a few other seasonings kick the fire factor up a notch. Eat them alone as a snack or toss them in a salad.
Another sweet approach on crunchy chickpeas, these honey-roasted chickpeas from Real House Moms just might remind you of your favorite gas station snack. (Remember, peanuts are also legumes!)
If summer days find you out on the patio grilling up chicken or ribs, these BBQ-roasted beans will speak to your soul. You’ll be licking your fingers with this recipe from Running In A Skirt.Running in a Skirt
9. Cheese- and Onion-Roasted Chickpeas
This tantalizing flavor combination from A Virtual Vegan will make it so much easier to pass on the potato chips. Cheese and onion-roasted chickpeas make a pleasant pairing with your favorite frosty beverage, too.
If you don’t want to share these cheesy bites from Life Currents, we don’t blame you. Just tell everyone, “Hands off, these are mine, nachos.” (Get it? Don’t worry, we’ll show ourselves to the door.) Consider serving these with fresh guacamole, salsa or sour cream.
If there is one flavor seemingly everyone can agree upon, it is pizza. Fortunately some shredded mozzarella, fresh basil and tomato puree will make chickpeas taste just like it. This recipe from Amuse Your Bouche could be a side dish or a meal on its own.
If honey mustard is good enough for pretzels, then it’s wonderful for chickpeas. Five basic ingredients you likely have on hand make this Bark Time recipe super simple to whip up.
Yearning for a crunchy snack on a chilly autumn day? The flavors used to create these maple chai-roasted chickpeas from ExSloth are just right for fall — but why wait?
Another seasonal flavor profile that doesn’t get enough love the rest of the year? The warm and comforting essence of gingerbread, which can turn garbanzo beans into a soothing snack. Keep perfecting this recipe from My Whole Food Life until you’re ready for the holiday season! My Whole Food Life
15. Cheez-It Chickpeas
Skipping processed snacks is wonderful for your health, but you might still miss some of your longstanding faves. These totally healthy munchies from Fooduzzi, which taste like Cheez-Its, can keep you from feeling deprived.
You are going to want some blue cheese and celery to go along with these zesty bites. Bonus: you only need three ingredients to make these buffalo-roasted chickpeas from One Green Planet.
When you cannot decide whether you want a snack that is sugary or snappy, why not have both? Loaded with heat and sweetened with brown sugar, these sweet and spicy chickpeas from Let’s Dish are a win.Lets Dish
18. Salt and Vinegar Chickpeas
Some simple yet tried-and-true flavor combos never get old. Such is the case with these addictively salty and sour snacks from The Nutritionist Reviews.
The blend of garlic, oregano, Parmesan and a bit of lemon zest results in a snack from A Dish Of Daily Life could be a hearty appetizer before an Italian dish.
Some people want to Sriracha all the things, and we can’t say we blame them. The fiery condiment with a touch of lime will take chickpeas over the top with this recipe from Blog Lovin’.Blog Lovin
21. Smoky Air Fried Chickpeas
Pull out your air fryer for this heavenly recipe from Vegan Huggs, which includes smoky paprika and other savory flavors. No fryer? No problem. Just roast them in the oven.
Tricia Goss is a Texas-based writer and editor with nearly two decades of experience. She is passionate about helping readers improve their skills, gain knowledge and attain more happiness in life. When she’s not working, Tricia enjoys traveling with her husband and their dog, especially to visit their five grandchildren.
