Forgot the chips: Savour the crunch of home-baked chickpeas for a healthier snack

The secret lies in two ingredients that work together perfectly, supplying nutrients and quelling hunger. Once dipped in a blend of aromatic spices, they're guaranteed to be a hit. Ideal for your night-time nibbling needs.

Wondering how to make a quick and healthy savory snack? This idea provides a great alternative to traditional unhealthy options, such as chips, pretzels or fries. The star of this snack is chickpeas, a veritable goldmine of protein with a delightful nutty-buttery flavor.

Chickpeas are an excellent provider of fiber and numerous B vitamins, including folic acid, niacin, and riboflavin. They also contain vitamin K, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and potassium. As such, they make an ideal ingredient for snacks, due to their rich nutritional value and lasting satiation.

Flavor your chickpeas with spices: salt, pepper, sweet paprika, garlic, thyme, or rosemary. The next ingredient for this healthy snack is inactive yeast flakes. This product lends dishes a distinctive salty taste, similar to Parmesan. Inactive yeast flakes are rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), potassium, zinc, and may also be fortified with vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Ingredients:

• 400g (approx 14oz) canned chickpeas,
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil,
• A teaspoon of sweet paprika powder,
• A level teaspoon of dried garlic,
• A level teaspoon of thyme or rosemary,
• A handful of yeast flakes.

Preparation:

1. Drain the chickpeas and pat thoroughly dry with a paper towel.
2. Mix the chickpeas with the oil, spices and yeast flakes.
3. Spread everything onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Try to lay the chickpeas out in a single layer on the tray.
4. Bake the snack at 200°C (roughly 392°F) for 30-40 minutes. Remember to stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even baking.
5. Take the now crispy chickpeas out and allow them to cool. Afterwards, transfer them to a bowl and season further if desired.