Illustration of Pan-fried crispy spiced chickpeas

Pan-fried crispy spiced chickpeas

Crunchy, smoky chickpeas made in a frying pan, no oven needed. Toss them in paprika and cumin while hot and eat by the handful.

17min
Prep
5 min
Cook
12 min
Serves
2
Per serve
290 kcal

Middle EasternVegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-free

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Ingredients

2 serves

Method

  1. Tip the chickpeas onto a clean tea towel and rub them dry. Pick off any loose skins that come away. The drier they are, the crispier they get.

  2. Mix the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt and cayenne in a small bowl.

  3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute until shimmering, then add the chickpeas in a single layer; they'll spit, so stand back.

  4. Fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the pan every minute or so, until deep golden and they rattle when you shake the pan. Bite one to check it's crunchy right through.

  5. Lift onto a plate lined with paper towel, then tip into a bowl and toss with the spice mix and lemon zest while still hot. Eat warm.

Tips

  • Don't crowd the pan. If yours is small, fry in two batches so they crisp rather than steam.
  • They're best within an hour; they soften as they sit. Store any leftovers in an open container.
  • Swap the spices for za'atar, curry powder or a pinch of cinnamon sugar.