Healthy food: Ditch the chips; try crunchy roasted chickpeas instead
What's the story
Swapping chips for crunchy roasted chickpeas can make for a healthier snack choice.
Packed with nutrients, chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, give a satisfying crunch. High in protein and fiber, they make for a filling alternative to conventional chips.
Plus, roasted chickpeas can be seasoned in different ways to match everyone's taste.
Here's why you should pick roasted chickpeas over chips, and how you can do it.
Health boost
Nutritional benefits of chickpeas
Chickpeas are high on protein and fiber, which keep you fuller for longer than regular chips.
A serving of roasted chickpeas has approximately six grams of protein and five grams of fiber.
They also have important vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and folate.
Unlike chips that are packed with unhealthy fats and high sodium levels, chickpeas give you a balanced nutrition without skimping on taste.
Taste variety
Versatile flavor options
Roasted chickpeas can be flavored with an array of spices depending on your palate.
From spicy paprika to tangy lemon zest, or even plain sea salt, the options are endless.
This way, you can enjoy a new flavor experience every time you prepare them.
Trying out different seasonings not only keeps your snacks interesting but also helps avoid the monotony of repetitive snacking options.
Budget-friendly
Cost-effective snacking solution
Roasting your own chickpeas at home is an economical way to enjoy this healthy snack option.
A bag of dried or canned chickpeas usually costs less than $2 or ₹150 (depending on the region), giving you multiple servings per purchase.
In comparison, buying pre-packaged snacks such as chips could quickly add up over time, thanks to their higher price point per serving.
Simple steps
Easy preparation process
Making roasted chickpeas is easy and only requires a few ingredients: olive oil, seasoning, and chickpeas.
Rinse canned chickpeas or soak the dried ones overnight. Toss the chickpeas with oil and seasonings.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
This yields a crunchy, nutritious snack.