Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas

It never fails, when I’m at work, right around 3pm is when my sweet tooth hits.  If I was smart I’d have some healthy snacks (baby carrots, an apple, etc.) stashed in the fridge.  But in all honesty, even if they were there, I probably wouldn’t eat them.  When I want something sweet, I want something sweet!  I try ever so hard NOT to visit the vending machine, but every few weeks I find myself grabbing some change and heading down the hallway. Defeated. 

Recently,  however, I came across this recipe for Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas.  Hmmmm…sweet?  Yes! Healthier than the peanut m&m’s that I would typically eat?  Yes!  This could be a solution!

Run beans under cool water & strain

Dry beans

I didn’t know this but garbanzo beans are chickpeas.  The word ‘garbanzo’ originated in Spain, while ‘chickpea’ is of French origin.  These little beans have some great health benefits too.  Not only are they high in protein but also high in fiber.

The recipe below is very easy to make and transforms the beans into a nice, sweet snack.  And while they’re baking they’ll make your house smell absolutely wonderful!  After they came out of the oven, and I coated them in honey, I waited just a few minutes before I tried one.  The honey cinnamon coating satisfied my sweet tooth and they were quite addictive while they were still warm.  My husband tried them and thought they tasted like “little doughnuts”.  So if you’re looking for a yummy snack that’s healthier than a candy bar from the vending machine, try these!  And as a suggestion you may want to make a double batch!

Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
Adapted from Honey Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas, thepastryaffair.com
Servings:  15 oz (approximately 2 cups)
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total Time: 45 mins.

Ingredients:

• 15 ounce can garbanzo beans
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375˚F.
2. Drain garbanzo beans.  Remove starch by rinsing under cool water for several minutes. Dry off the beans.   Note: You may optionally remove the skins from the beans or you can leave them on (either way is good!). 
3. In a small bowl whisk the oil, cinnamon, and sugar. Add beans and stir until evenly coated.
4. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spread beans on top and bake for 40-45 minutes or until beans are crunchy and no longer soft in the middle.
5. Place hot, roasted beans in a small bowl and coat evenly with honey. Spread beans back out on the baking sheet and allow to dry. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.