A Southern Grace: transformer trigger

March 22, 2011

transformer trigger

Yum

Or, the one where I become a robot.


You've no doubt made, eaten, or at least seen roasted chickpeas at one point in your life. If you're anything like me, you found them so satisfying and noshable that you've made, eaten, and seen them oodles of times. I've gone the savory route, flavoring them with various herbs and spices (rosemary, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, cumin, and coriander have all made an appearance) and I've gone the not-so-savory route (cinnamon,clearly, as well as maple syrup and honey). I don't think you can go wrong pairing a taste you enjoy with these crunchy, chewy, oh-so-pleasing legumes.

My latest batch had a special touch--Olivari® Mediterranean Olive Oil, which just hit store shelves in August and is already gaining attention. Most recently, it won Product of the Year by the Consumer Survey for Product Innovation. What makes it innovative, you ask?
-Its exclusive pop-up pour spout makes for easy and even pouring, drizzling, and finishing.
-It’s carefully blended to deliver a subtle, fruity aroma and fresh flavor.
-Truly Mediterranean, Olivari® premium oils are sourced straight from Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey.


This stuff really does add a lot to a dish--it can only be described as a tad fruity and oh-so-richly smooth. I'm someone who usually uses the less expensive oils for applications like this, and the difference is obvious and astronomical.


I could go on. However, doing that seriously limits my ability to stuff handfuls of roasted chickpeas into my mouth. And that's what I do. I sit with a bowl o' beans, and my hand automatically feeds my face until said bowl is empty. See? Robot.

So tell me, dear readers (yes, that's a shout-out to you, Lorraine!), how do you like your poultrypeas?

Roasted Peas of the Chick
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Spices and herbage of your choice

Preheat oven to 400F.
Drain the can of garbanzo beans in a strainer and rinse thoroughly with water to clean off the beans. Lay a paper towel on a baking sheet and spread the beans atop it. Use another paper towel to gently press and absorb the water on the beans. Roll the beans around with the paper towel to also remove the thin skin from any of the beans. Discard the skins and the paper towels.
Drizzle the olive oil over the beans and use your hands or a spatula to toss around and coat. Sprinkle the beans with salt and flavorings. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the beans are a deep golden brown and crunchy.

64 comments:

shaz said...

Ah! I couldn't work out the robot reference at first :) I've eaten roasted chickpeas but never bothered to make my own. Now I'm wondering why ever not? We used to buy steamed chickpeas from the roadside vendors in Malaysia. These were flavoured with dried red chillies and salt, and served in a little newspaper cone.

Joanne said...

Oh these look like a seriously delicious crunchy AND healthy snack. What if you combined the olive oil with the cinnamon honey mix? I bet it would be epic.

Anonymous said...

Very yummy! Will have to look for that Olivari® Mediterranean Olive Oil!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I have a dish I will be posting soon from Ottolenghi that uses my quota of chickpeas for the week. They are even served warm. Yours sure look yummy so I may be having them twice this week.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

haha thankyou for the shoutout Grace! These chickpeas look fantastic and I like the idea of that pouring spout. I dislike having to clean up after my husband let alone a bottle of olive oil that leaves a ring! :P

Lyndas recipe box said...

Yum, they look delish...I haven't made my own roasted chickpeas, but since you make it seem so easy, I will now. Thanks Grace for another gret idea!

Albany Jane said...

Oh, you've got me swooning over chickpeas.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I am a big fan of chickpeas! Thas roasted is wonderful.

Cheers,

Rosa

kat said...

We like them a little spicy with some cayenne.

Holtnotes said...

Sounds delicious - Have never had them roasted - guess I am behind the times. Love the idea of the pour spout on the olive oil.

With the Transformer tagline I thought you would also morph your post into YOUR description. Was asking your readers what they thought you looked like just a tease?

Mimi said...

Great little snack.
Mimi

~~louise~~ said...

When we were kids, we use to go to Katz's on Delancy St. and scoop bowls of chick peas out of huge barrels. My sister and I always tried to crack them with our teeth. Impossible until they are of course cooked.

My grandmother roasted them and ground them up and used them like flour. (boy I wish I had that recipe:)

Your roasted chick peas sound amazing, Grace.

Thank you so much for sharing and once again sparking a cherished memory...

FOODESSA said...

Before patting dry the chickpeas...I usually give them a fast turn in my salad spinner. It spins so fast that even a few skins come off ahead of time ;o)

I do love a savoury snack such as this one Grace...yum!

Ciao for now,
Claudia

lisa is cooking said...

Since I'm off popcorn for now, these roasted chickpeas could come in very handy! I like the spicy take with them, and the olive oil sounds great.

Barbara said...

Love 'em, Grace! They are such a super snack food, especially the way you've done them....40 minutes in a 400 oven would make them good and crunchy!

Abby said...

YES. With curry.

Julie M. said...

Chickpea freakazoid here as well. I'll eat them anyway you serve them up. That olive oil sounds great!

vanillasugarblog said...

yeah! i love these. I make them with curry. oh and once i did a mustard rub too.
and yeah they are super addictive.

Tina said...

I love chickpeas! I can eat a can at a time. How is it that I have never had or even seen roasted chick peas? I am making these tomorrow. I want to make them now but I know my husband would think I completely lost my mind!

scrambledhenfruit said...

I've never heard them called "poultrypeas" but I love that name! These sound like a great healthy snack. :)

oneordinaryday said...

Always a great snack to have around, though they never last long, do they?

cookies and cups said...

I have always wanted to try these :)) and I will definitely be buying that Olive Oil!

Bren said...

i've never roasted chicpeas but i looooove them. they're so good and earthy. def. one of my favorite beans/peas! happy spring.

Hungry Dog said...

I actually don't like chickpeas all that much EXCEPT if they're roasted. My fave mexican place in SF puts out a little dish of spicy, salty crunchy roasted chickpeas as a little nibble...I could eat them by the cartload.

Cookie baker Lynn said...

I luuuuuv me some chickpeas!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! These look absolutely mouthwatering. Love the photo, and the recipe is so simple, too!

a frog in the cottage said...

this is a marvellous idea !! fell in love with it at first sight

Angie's Recipes said...

Had some the other day and they were so good and addictive!

pigpigscorner said...

I usually use them in stews. This sounds fab!

Leslie said...

Mmm.I love roasted chik peas..the crispier the better!

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Confession....never had a roasted chickpea. BUT they look delicious. I have had canned chickpeas in a Mediterranean chicken salad I make. I really have to try them roasted. Tehy look amazing!

Half Baked said...

Easy and delicious! got these on my to do list!

Food Gal said...

How simple and divine. I love the nuttiness of chickpeas. Will definitely try roasting them.

The Blonde Duck said...

I must try these.

marla said...

One of our all time favorite snacks over here. Come to think of it gotta make some more - like now :) xo

Robin said...

I am a roasted chick pea lover too! I toss mine with olive oil and some seasonings and roast away! So good so easy! Now after that last post I was sure you would have put a pic of yourself here to we could all see if we pictured you correctly. But then again, mystery is fun too! Have a great day!

eatme_delicious said...

Yumm these roasted chickpeas look so very delicious!! I need to try making roasted chickpeas again.

Deborah said...

I adore roasted chickpeas - I may just make up a batch of them today!!

Emily said...

I love chickpeas! This seems like a good snack. Next you should make hummus!

Mrs. L said...

I love chickpeas and have been meaning to make roasted ones for ages. Need to get off my butt now and just do it!

Maris (In Good Taste) said...

This looks amazing. What a great picture

The Church Cook said...

So healthy and fun to eat, robotic way! :) You are too funny, Grace!

Christina said...

These look so good, I love chickpeas! Maybe I can convince my hubby to try these. thanks!

Laura said...

Forget about the olive oil, I want to eat that picture.

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

I've seen these everywhere with raves of how roasting transforms the humble chickpea into something amazing...yet I haven't tried even something so simple and stunning. Does this say something about me? Hehe I think this is the straw that will break my unexplainable resistance. Thanks for the push!

Neil said...

chickpease! i love it!
http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/how-to-stop-facial-blushing-in-3-simple-steps-4417255.html

Unknown said...

yes I've seen oodles of recipes for various versions of roasted chickpeas and for the life of me, I can't figure out why I haven't tried tried them myself! Thanks for the reminder. I actually have a can in my cupboard. Maybe this weekend will be the magically time for to finally try roasted chickpeas :)

Lucie said...

In a salad, sauteed, roasted, baked... Chickpeas and I are definitely an item. But I hear he's got something going on with some other chicks ( ha ha ha) out there.

The Teacher Cooks said...

What a great healthy snack to share with some high school students!

Lori said...

Sadly I have not roasted them yet, but clearly I really need to.

foodhoe said...

I would never have thought to roast chickpeas, but your photo makes it clear that it is a singularly delicious preparation. I want them spicy!

Jennifer said...

Where the hell have I been, I have not eaten or roasted Chick Peas, I must get on the band wagon!

Nic said...

Great idea, anything roasted is pretty amazing. Love the pics Grace!

Aldy said...

Hi Grace, I'm loving this snack <3 This look absolutely mouth-watering!

Plus I'm a fan of chickpeas :)

Cheers,

Aldy.

The Blonde Duck said...

Happy Tuesday!

sweetlife said...

I love chickpeas, a perfect snack for any day..I love them with red pepper flakes

sweetlife

Sasha (Global Table Adventure) said...

I give my daughter chickpeas for her afternoon snack instead of cookies. Perhaps I need to branch out with something like this :)

Suze said...

I love LOVE chickpeas...and roasted...even better. When I saw the picture...I started drooling!

MaryBeth said...

My herbage of choice of course would be Johnny's Garlic Seasoning. This looks fabulous Grace!

CC11 said...

I can't believe, especially since I am a veggo, that I have never had roasted chickpeas. Time to change that pronto!

kimberleyblue said...

I loooove roasted chickpeas! I've never tried straightforward sweet ones, but I do love mixing up some cayenne, garlic and maple syrup for the savory-sweet combo.

I can easily eat a whole can of these roasted wonders. Yours look so crunchy and perfect.

La Bella Cooks said...

I have been seeing these around the blogs lately and find them interesting. I am going to give this a try as everyone seems to be in love. Thanks for the inspiration, Grace.

Leah Wolff-Pellingra said...

These made me so very, very happy :)

Jaime said...

interesting! my 17 month old love chick peas... but she just eats them plain. maybe i'll season them like this next time!