Who doesn’t like beer? Dark and cold beer is definitely one of my favorites, especially when served with some crunchy and spicy snack. Baked chickpeas are the ultimate party snack, they require minimal prep time using simple ingredients you always have in your pantry and they tend to get lots of praise from surprise guests.

I make those chickpeas in two different versions, both based on cooked chickpeas mixed with olive oil and spices. The first version is pretty simple and consist of everyday spices that you can find in almost every kitchen. The second versions is the Indian version which is a bit more sophisticated. They are both great and pretty similar to one another, the Indian version is hotter and has a hint of Garam Masala.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 18-20 minutes

Ingredients – simple version (snack for 3-4 people)

• 1 can chickpeas (equal to 1+1/2 cup cooked chickpeas)
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/3 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Ingredients – Indian version (snack for 3-4 people)

• 1 can chickpeas (equal to 1.5 cup cooked chickpeas)
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp amchoor (dried mango powder, details below)
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• pinch of asafoetida

Directions (same for both versions)

Heat the oven to 200 degrees. Strain the chickpeas. If you use canned chickpeas it is recommended to wash it (just add water to the can and strain again). Mix the chickpeas with olive oil and all other ingredients. Adjust the taste to your liking.

Place the chickpeas in a baking tray with baking paper and spread them out. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in 200 degrees oven. The chickpeas are ready when they are crunchy and some of them start to split.

Serve hot with cold beer or just as a snack.

Comments and suggestions

Chickpeas. It’s possible to replace the canned chickpeas with chickpeas that were soaked and cooked until soft. You can even use frozen cooked chickpeas but note that you’ll need to defrost a night before in the freeze (and then strain them).

Amchoor?! Amchoor is a dry green mango powder. It is a very common spice in Indian cooking that adds sourness and fruity flavor to the dish. You can get it in Indian grocery stores or buy online.

In short

Simple Version – Strain and wash the content of 1 can chickpeas. Mix with 1 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/3 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp salt. Place in a baking tray with baking paper and bake for 18-20 minutes in a 200 degrees oven until crunchy.

Indian version – Strain and wash the content of 1 can chickpeas. Mix with 1 tbs olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp amchoor, 1/4 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp turmeric and a pinch of Asafoetida. Place in a baking tray with baking paper and bake for 18-20 minutes in a 200 degrees oven until crunchy.