Harissa Chickpea Roast (Printable)

Smoky harissa-spiced chickpeas roasted until crispy, perfect as a crunchy snack or salad topper.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chickpeas

01 - 1 can (14.5 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Seasoning

02 - 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon harissa spice blend
04 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
06 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
07 - ½ teaspoon sea salt

→ Optional Finishing

08 - ½ teaspoon lemon zest
09 - Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel, removing any loose skins to ensure crispiness.
03 - Combine chickpeas with olive oil, harissa spice blend, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
04 - Spread the chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through until golden and crisp.
06 - Remove from oven and, while still warm, toss with lemon zest. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
07 - Allow to cool slightly before serving to maximize crunch.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're impossibly crispy on the outside and just slightly creamy inside, hitting that textural sweet spot that keeps you coming back for handfuls.
  • The harissa gives you that smoky, spicy depth without tasting like a one-note heat bomb, and it makes your whole kitchen smell incredible.
  • Ready in 45 minutes total, vegan, naturally gluten-free, and somehow fancy enough to put out when friends drop by.
02 -
  • Patting the chickpeas dry is non-negotiable—moisture is the enemy of crispiness, and this one step changes everything.
  • Don't skip shaking the pan halfway through; uneven roasting means some chickpeas stay soft while others burn, so a quick shake gives you even golden-brown perfection.
03 -
  • Buy a quality harissa spice blend if you don't have one—it's the backbone of this dish, and better spices mean better flavor without any extra effort.
  • If your chickpeas aren't getting as crispy as you'd like, make sure they're truly dry before mixing and don't crowd the baking sheet—air circulation is everything when roasting.
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