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.
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!)
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?
Good question! Glad ya asked. 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.
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.
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!
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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
- 1 28-oz. can of chickpeas (skins removed manually)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground sumac
- 3/4 tsp marjoram
- 3/4 tsp thyme
- 3/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Toss chickpeas in spices, olive oil, and lemon and transfer to baking sheet once well incorporated.
- 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.
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