Citrus-scented Sumac and warm Middle Eastern spices add bold flavor to these Roasted Chickpeas!
Easy snacks are kind of the best thing ever.
Ever since I learned how easy it is to pop popcorn on the stove, I’ve been a bit obsessed with making it for endurance Netflix marathons. I love adding a bit of curry powder or ground ginger for an extra hit of flavor!
These Middle Eastern Chickpeas fall into this same category for me. Easy to make, and easy to customize.
Sometimes I make roast chickpeas with nothing but olive oil and salt, but since I learned about the deliciousness of sumac while making this salad, I’ve been putting that on everything.
I know you are just dying to ask the question, right?
What is sumac spice?
Well, the sumac spice comes from the red berries of the sumac bush, which is native to the Middle East. These berries are dried and then ground into powder.
Ground sumac has a tangy lemon-like flavor, but less tart than lemon juice. You might not be able to find it at your local grocery store, but you can easily find ground sumac online.
If you’re interested in that intriguing loaf of Turkish flatbread next to the chickpeas, DON’T BE.
For whatever reason that bread made my entire house smell like fish and it mostly ruined carbs for me for like… an entire day. It should never have existed, and it has been put out of its misery.
The spicy roasted chickpeas are delicious, though.
Sumac and Spice Roasted Chickpeas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 14- ounce cans chickpeas - drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the rinsed chickpeas in a flour sack or other absorbent kitchen towel. Gently roll and pat until the towel has absorbed all of the moisture from the chickpeas.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and spices. Add the chickpeas and toss well to coat them with spices. Transfer the seasoned chickpeas to the baking sheet; arrange in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes, checking halfway through to shake the pan to turn the chickpeas. Remove from the oven once the chickpeas are light and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Looks delish. Is that cilantro on the top?
Hi Anne, yes, that is Cilantro on top for garnish, but you could use parsley if you are not a fan of cilantro.
Another delish recipe! Made it just as instructed. Surprised how satisfying a snack this made. Thank you!
I also LOVE the sumac spice! I’ve had it on Lebanese food and it’s irresistible! Have you ever tried Lebanese flat bread with olive oil and sumac on top, called Zataar? So good! PS Where do you buy the best Sumac, and how can you tell it’s fresh/a good source?