| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 146 | 3g | 0.4g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 6g | 7g | 0.5g |
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cooking up a batch of Roasted Garbanzo Beans, taking in the intoxicating aroma as it fills my home kitchen. This simple yet savory dish presents a delightful intersection of my West Coast upbringing and Indian Gujarati heritage, serving up a flavorful fusion that’s truly a reflection of my journey. 
A Homage to My Dual Culinary Roots
For me, whipping up a batch of Roasted Garbanzo Beans is a way of bringing together my American and Indian identities, melded together in one wholesome dish. The humble garbanzo, or chickpea, is a beautiful ingredient – crucial in Indian cuisine and equally esteemed in Western kitchens. Its versatility is truly awe-inspiring, finding its place in everything from hearty Indian Chana Masala to a casual American chickpea salad. And when these beans are roasted, they are transformed into a crunchy and flavorful delight – the star of our recipe here.
Health Benefits and Culinary Pairings
Not only are these Roasted Garbanzo Beans a treat for the palate, but they also present a wealth of health benefits. Garbanzo beans are a wonderful source of fiber and protein, perfect for those conscious of their health or following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The added spices, especially garlic and cayenne, are believed to hosts a wide range of benefits from boosting your immunity to helping your heart.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its standalone brilliance but also in its versatility. Pair these roasted garbanzo beans with a simple Greek salad for a light lunch, or include them as a crunchy topping on a warm sweet potato and lentil soup for a comforting dinner. They can even hold their own as a snack, perhaps with a refreshing limeade on the side – a true ode to my Californian beginnings.
A plate of beautifully roasted garbanzo beans, to me, is not just carefully combined ingredients. It’s a blending of culinary traditions, a tale of two cultures, and a homage to the joy and nurturing nature of food. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart while catering to the senses, and that’s why I find myself continually returning to make it for my family, infusing our home with its wonderful flavors and the love woven into each batch. Revisit the same joy with this recipe and let the humble garbanzo bean take center stage in your kitchen as it does in mine.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) garbanzo beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step Two
Drain the garbanzo beans and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat the beans dry with a clean towel.
Step Three
Spread out the beans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with the olive oil and use your hands or a spatula to make sure all the beans are evenly coated.
Step Four
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix over the beans, stirring to make sure they are all evenly coated.
Step Five
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the beans are crispy. Stir the beans halfway through cooking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Six
Remove from the oven and let the beans cool before serving. They will continue to get crispy as they cool. Enjoy as a healthy, protein-packed snack!
