Name: Quick Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 2 tsp sweet paprika; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil; 1- 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

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Spiced Chickpeas are incredibly simple to make and have the most satisfying taste! They’re full of flavorful spices and can be eaten as a snack or used as a topping on bowls, salads, baked potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes and even yogurt.

Close up side view of a grey bowl filled with moroccan spiced chickpeas

FUN FACT: One of my son’s favorite snacks is spiced chickpeas. I know, it sounds kind of crazy, doesn’t it? But it’s true! These spiced and cooked chickpeas are a totally healthy snack, and they’re just as enjoyable as potato chips or corn nuts with flavor you can adjust to your preference.

What Are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas are a versatile and inexpensive legume. They are found dried, canned in most supermarket aisles, you can also find chickpea flour in the gluten-free or all-natural section of many grocery stores. Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are the same things, so don’t let the canned goods aisle fool you. No matter what they’re called they are super nutritious, and high in plant-based protein and fiber. You may have even heard them called Egyptian peas! They’re small, round, with an uneven surface and light tan color.

Dried Chickpeas on a bright yellow surface — Dried Chickpeas

Are Chickpeas Healthy?

Many vegetarians and vegans rely on chickpeas for plant-based protein and fiber! One cup of cooked chickpeas contains 14.5 grams of protein, 12.5 grams of fiber, and 268 calories. They’re filling while also being good for digestion. They’re a versatile legume that can be roasted until crispy, processed into smooth hummus, just spiced and warmed, or made into a healthier chickpea cookie dough. The possibilities are endless, just scroll down and you'll find a list of over 25 chickpea recipes. No matter what recipe you use they’re absolutely delicious either way!

Overhead view of a grey bowl filled with moroccan spiced chickpeas

Can You Eat Chickpeas Out of a Can?

Yes! We use canned garbanzo beans often because the're easy and very convienien. If you do buy dry chickpeas, soak them overnight (about 8 hours) with some baking soda before cooking and add them to your favorite recipes.

Here’s a fun fact: the water that chickpeas are cooked in is called aquafaba (say that 10 times fast!). It’s a viscous liquid that some cooks use as a vegan replacement for egg whites. Aquafaba is also the water found in canned chickpeas.

Ingredients for spiced chickpeas labeled - canned chickpeas, spices, olive oil

Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas

We used a Moroccan spice blend for these crispy chickpeas. You can adjust the spiciness ( add red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper) and flavor to your own preference, but for this recipe we used:

Paprika
Cumin
Turmeric
Salt & pepper

Once you have chickpeas and spices ready, heat some olive oil in a skillet, toss chickpea and spices and cook them on the stovetop for a couple of minutes, until they’re warmed through. That’s it! Easy as can be!