Crunchy Roasted Spiced Chickpeas

Looking for a last minute snack to enjoy while watching the game? These roasted chickpeas have become my go-to quick appetizer for dinner parties, casual get-togethers, or just for us to snack on. I've tried multiple variations of this recipe and the key is cooking them at the right temperature to get them to turn out crispy like corn nuts on the outside while slightly soft on the inside. Simply coated with olive oil, chile powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt, they're an incredibly easy and delicious snack and I generally have all of these ingredients in my pantry so I can throw them together in a pinch. These are best eaten the same day you make them as they get a little softer the next day, but I'll still eat them as a snack (if there are any left over!)

Crunchy Roasted Spiced Chickpeas

Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Two 15 oz. cans chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 T. olive oil
1 t. ancho chili powder
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. smoked paprika
1 t. fine grain sea salt, plus more for sprinkling at the end

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry the chickpeas between paper towels or kitchen towels, getting them as dry as you can (this will help them absorb the spices and get crunchier in the oven). Put them in a medium-sized bowl, add the olive oil, spices, and salt, and stir to combine. Transfer to a sheet pan or cookie sheet and roast for approximately 20 minutes, then increase the heat to 450 degrees and roast for about another 10-15 minutes until the chickpeas are golden brown. Test a few to see if any of them have gotten crispy and if not, return to oven in 5 minute increments until they are done. There may be a few on the edges which get a little bit too brown - just discard these as you want the others to be able to get crunchy enough. Remove from oven, season with a pinch of fine-grain sea salt, transfer to a bowl, and serve.