Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas
Another OKS&F Favorite Snack
Ready for a healthy, ridiculously delicious snack alternative? These spicy oven-roasted chickpeas are light, crunchy, nutritious, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), thoroughly drained and rinsed (approximately 3 cups)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and toss with other ingredients until evenly coated
3. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet
4. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack
5. Bake until crisp, approximately 35-40 minutes
Nutty, Buttery Goodness: The Amazing Health Benefits of Chickpeas
1. Heart Healthy: Regular intake of Chickpeas can lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol. Garbanzos contain the significant amounts of folate and magnesium. Folate lowers the levels of the amino acid, homocysteine and strengthens the blood vessels.
2. Weight Loss: Due to high fiber content and low GI, chickpeas are excellent for weight loss diets. Salad with chickpeas are tasty and can keep you full longer, controlling the appetite.1. Fiber: Like other beans, Chickpeas are rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that snares bile (which contains cholesterol) and ferries it out of the body.
3. Manganese: Garbanzos are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses. Just one cup of garbanzo beans supplies 84.5% of the daily value for this mineral.
4. Protein for vegetarians: Combined with a whole grain such as whole-wheat protein, chickpeas can provide the amount of protein comparable to that of meat or dairy foods without the high calories or saturated fats.
5. Iron: Garbanzos can also boost your energy because of their high iron content. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism.
6. Antioxidant Power for Women: Garbanzo contain phytochemicals called saponins, which can act as antioxidants. It could lower the risk of breast cancer, protect against osteoporosis and minimizes hot flushes in post-menopausal women.
