Spiced Chickpea Snack Mix with Nuts, Dried Cherries, and Dark Chocolate Recipe
A crunchy and wholesome Chickpea Snack Mix that combines roasted chickpeas, toasted nuts, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup and dried cherries, finished with a hint of smoky paprika for a perfectly balanced, nutritious snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Chickpeas and Nuts
- 1 can low-sodium chickpeas (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup raw almonds or pecan halves
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Dry the Chickpeas: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the chickpeas on a double layer of paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly, swapping towels as needed. Remove any loose skins, though it’s not necessary to get them all off.
- Bake Plain: Spread the chickpeas evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes without any seasoning to help them become extra crispy.
- Season the Chickpeas: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, carefully drizzle the melted coconut oil and maple syrup over the chickpeas. Sprinkle with cinnamon, kosher salt, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat the chickpeas evenly, being cautious as the pan will be hot. Allow to cool slightly if needed before returning to the oven.
- Continue Baking: Return the chickpeas to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to set and the chickpeas to crisp further.
- Add Nuts and Roast: Take the pan out again, shake to rotate the chickpeas for even cooking, then scatter the pumpkin seeds and almonds on the pan in a single layer. Continue baking for 8 to 10 more minutes until the nuts are toasted and the chickpeas are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to let everything cool completely.
- Combine and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the roasted chickpeas and nuts to a serving bowl. Stir in the dried cherries and dark chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure chickpeas are dried thoroughly before baking.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or dried cherries according to taste.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor dimension.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crunch.
- Feel free to substitute almonds with pecans or walnuts based on preference.
Keywords: chickpea snack, roasted chickpeas, healthy snack mix, vegan snack, maple syrup snack, crunchy snack, roasted nuts, pumpkin seeds