Craving a vibrant and flavorful snack or side dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this sweet and spicy chickpea recipe! These crispy, crunchy chickpeas are bursting with a delightful mix of sweet and spicy notes, offering a perfect balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the satisfying crunch in your mouth, the sweet heat dancing on your tongue – a perfect combination for movie nights, parties, or a healthy addition to your lunch. Forget boring snacks; these chickpeas are a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and sweetness. Whether you prefer a subtle warmth or a fiery kick, you'll find the perfect balance here. Ready to transform simple chickpeas into an irresistible treat? Let's dive into the simple step-by-step process to create your own batch of sweet and spicy chickpeas.
Tools Needed
- Pan
Ingredients
- Mustard seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Oil: 1/4 cup
- Dried curry leaves: 1/4 cup
- Tinned chickpeas: 800g
- Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Ginger paste: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander and cumin powder (Da Jira): 1 teaspoon
- Ketchup: 4 tablespoons
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Fresh green coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Add 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds to a pan on medium heat (no oil yet) and dry toast until they start popping.
- Add 1/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of dried curry leaves. Fry the leaves for 10 seconds until crispy.
Step 2. Add Chickpeas and Seasonings
- Add 800g of tinned chickpeas, 2 teaspoons of red chili powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of ginger paste, 1 tablespoon of garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of coriander and cumin powder. Mix well for 30 seconds.
Step 3. Simmer and Thicken
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of ketchup.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to loosen the mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with a generous handful of fresh green coriander.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- The sugar in the ketchup can stick to the bottom of the pan, so keep the heat on medium and stir carefully to achieve caramelization, not burning.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make these chickpeas ahead of time?
Yes! They're even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. What kind of spices can I substitute?
Feel free to experiment! Chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add different flavor profiles.
3. How do I prevent them from sticking together?
Make sure your chickpeas are completely dry before tossing them in the oil and spices. A single layer on the baking sheet also helps.
So there you have it – a simple, yet incredibly flavorful snack that's sure to become a new favorite. These sweet and spicy chickpeas are perfect for satisfying any craving, whether it's a midday munchie or a party appetizer. Enjoy the delicious crunch and unforgettable flavor!