A Zesty and Nutritious Snack: Spicy Roasted Chickpea and Nuts Mix
If you're on the lookout for a healthy, flavourful snack that's quick to prepare and perfect for any time of day, look no further. This spicy roasted chickpea and nuts mix brings together the nutty goodness of chickpeas, the crunch of mixed nuts, and a symphony of spices that will tantalise your taste buds. Whether you choose to roast them in the oven or enhance convenience and speed by using an air fryer, this snack is sure to become a favourite.
Ingredients:
- 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 100g mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and peanuts work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), or set your air fryer to the crispy setting.
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean tea towel or paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chilli powder, and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chickpeas and nuts to the bowl, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the spice mixture.
- Spread the chickpea and nut mixture in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper if using the oven, or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. If using an air fryer, cook for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.
- Once golden and crunchy, remove from the oven or air fryer and transfer back to the mixing bowl.
- Toss the baked mix with lemon zest and chopped parsley, if using, to add a fresh, zesty finish.
- Allow the mix to cool slightly before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile snack is perfect on its own, but you can also add it to salads for an extra crunch or use it as a topping on soups. Packed with protein and fibre, it's not only delicious but also a nourishing choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This snack is not only easy to make but also highly customisable. You can adjust the level of spice by altering the amount of chilli powder or try different nut varieties to suit your personal preference. Plus, it's a great option for those following plant-based or gluten-free diets.