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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas

Published: May 16, 2019 · Modified: Aug 17, 2020 by Lexi

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Overhead view of fattoush salad topped with za'atar crispy chickpeas

These Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas are one of our favorite gluten free and vegan snacks. They're crispy, super flavorful, and absolutely addictive! Enjoy on top of a salad, grain bowls, soups or just by the handful.

 overhead of crispy za'atar chickpeas in a bowl

We originally developed this recipe for a Fattoush Salad for Hour Detroit Magazine, and we're hooked ever since! They're crispy, salty, full of flavor and make for the perfect salad or soup topping.

If you've never made homemade roasted chickpeas, don't expect them to turn out quite as crispy as the ones you purchase at the store. We've tried a ton of different methods, and while some work better than others, they just don't dry out like you'd expect.

I'm perfectly fine with that - I actually prefer eating these crispy chickpeas. (Some store-bought brands are too dry and can be difficult to eat!)

Overhead view of colorful mediterranean salad in a bowl on white background

In our many trials for perfectly roasted chickpeas, we found that it's best to get the chickpeas as dry as possible before roasting.

This means gently drying the chickpeas between a dish towel and removing the outer skin, which holds quite a bit of moisture. Yes, it's a pain, but if you're going for ultimate crisp factor, it's worth the effort.

If you spread the chickpeas in a single layer and then gently rub back and forth with a dish towel, the skins will loosen. To peel, simply squeeze the chickpea slightly at the tapered end - the skin should pop right off.

What is za'atar?

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend traditionally made with ground thyme, oregano, sumac, salt and usually sesame seeds. There are a few other optional spices, such as cumin, coriander and fennel.

We left out the sesame seeds for these chickpea snacks and added in some marjoram and garlic.

overhead view of crispy za'atar chickpeas on a spoon

People typically enjoy za'atar as a savory condiment. It's often combined with olive oil and spread on dough for freshly-baked bread (YUM).

It also makes a delicious topping for hummus or labneh, or a seasoning for vegetables and meats.

Za'atar is absolutely delicious and most definitely one of our favorite spice blends, and not just for crispy chickpeas. You can purchase pre-made za'atar blends at most specialty grocery stores. However, if you don't use it often, it's probably easier to make at home with spices you already have.

side view of crispy za'atar chickpeas in a bowl

Uses for these Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas

  • Add to this Mediterranean Salad with Falafel and Sumac Tahini Dressing
  • Use in this Kale Tahini Caesar Salad (Vegan)
  • Sprinkle on top of this Red Lentil Soup
  • Add to your next Snack Board
  • Favorite option - crush them up and use in place of breadcrumbs on homemade vegan mac & cheese!
overhead view of fattoush salad with chickpeas
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Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas


  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

These Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas are one of our favorite gluten free and vegan snacks. They're crispy, super flavorful, and absolutely addictive! Enjoy on top of a salad, grain bowls, soups or just by the handful. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 28-oz. can of chickpeas (skins removed manually)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsp ground sumac
  • ¾ tsp marjoram
  • ¾ tsp thyme
  • ¾ tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  3. Drain chickpeas well, then spread into a single layer on dish towel and gently dry by rubbing back in forth. Remove skins (some with naturally come off) and add to bowl. 
  4. Toss chickpeas in spices, olive oil, and lemon and transfer to baking sheet once well incorporated.
  5. Roast for 16-24 minutes, stirring once. Then, remove from oven and sprinkle with another ¼ tsp. salt and a few cracks of black pepper, and stir gently. Let cool completely on baking sheet. 
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Big Bowl
  • Calories: 1082
  • Sugar: 0.6 g
  • Sodium: 4534.4 mg
  • Fat: 57.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 113.7 g
  • Fiber: 37.9 g
  • Protein: 39.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: roasted chickpeas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. JoAnn

    April 13, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    I have Zaatar seasoning how much should i use? You only list spice amounts separately. Thank you

    Reply
    • Lexi

      April 14, 2021 at 11:43 am

      Hi JoAnn, around 3 tsp should be the right amount. Check to see if your blend contains salt - if not, I'd still add the same amount of salt.

      Reply

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