Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (2024)

This roasted chickpeas recipe is an easy and delicious way to add nutrition to your toddler’s diet. These are soft roasted, to ensure they’re easy for the kids to chew, and they have a sweet-salty flavor that’s super yummy. Yay for easy toddler snacks!

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (1)

Soft- Roasted Chickpeas

When my oldest daughter was 1, crunchy Roasted Chickpeas were all the rage. They’re usually baked until crispy, which means they can be a choking hazard for little kids, but it’s possible to tweak the method slightly to make a nutritious and super easy kids snack. This version is a little salty, a little sweet, and it’s a nice way to change up how we’re serving beans to kids.

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (2)Ingredients you Need

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

TIP: You can play around with the flavors, but we like this cinnamon mixture!

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (3)

How to Make This Roasted Chickpeas Recipe Step-by-Step

Here’s a look at the process of making this easy toddler snack of roasted chickpeas. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information.

  1. Rinse and drain the beans if using canned. This removes any excess salt and the thick liquid that the beans come in.
  2. This step is optional but I recommend it if your toddler is very sensitive to textures: Roll the beans around in a clean kitchen towel so the skins slip off. Discard the skins and place the beans into a bowl.
  3. Stir in the cinnamon, vanilla, salt, oil, and maple syrup.
  4. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake.

TIP: These are best served warm, though you can store them and reheat them on future days if needed.

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (4)

How long can I store these?

Honestly, they are really something special when served right out of the oven and cooled slightly, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge and serve them throughout the week. Just give them a quick 10 second warm up in the microwave or a few minutes in a warm oven—or eat them cold. We do both when packing leftovers fortoddler snacks and lunch components.

Are they a choking hazard?

Usually beans are soft and aren’t a choking hazard, but if you are at all concerned, smash them slightly as shown below.

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (5)

Tips for Making the Best Soft Roasted Chickpeas

  • Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess salt and the thick liquid. Pat dry.
  • Roll beans around on a paper towel to remove the transparent shells if your kids are sensitive to textures.
  • Enjoy warm out of the oven as a snack or easy meal component.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm slightly to serve.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share!

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (6)

Soft Roasted Chickpeas with Cinnamon

If you start with dried beans in this salty-sweet snack, make sure to cook them until they are very tender. If making these for a kiddo under one, use maple syrup instead of honey or skip the sweetener all together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.91 from 60 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course Snack

Calories 821kcal

Servings 4 (about 2 cups)

Ingredients

  • 1 14.5- ounce can chickpeas rinsed, drained, and patted dry (or about 2 cups cooked dried)
  • 1 teaspoon canola or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

  • If desired, rub the chickpeas in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins. (You don’t have to do this, but you may want to if you have a toddler who’s particularly sensitive to textures.) Discard the skins

  • Stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Spread on a baking sheet or baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, smashing beans slightly for younger eaters if desired.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly for 15 seconds in the microwave or serve cold.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess salt and the thick liquid. Pat dry.
  • Roll beans around on a paper towel to remove the transparent shells if your kids are sensitive to textures.
  • Enjoy warm out of the oven as a snack or easy meal component.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm slightly to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 821kcal, Carbohydrates: 136g, Protein: 39g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 614mg, Potassium: 1335mg, Fiber: 34g, Sugar: 33g, Vitamin A: 125IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 258mg, Iron: 13mg

Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

Soft Roasted Chickpeas Recipe (A Salty-Sweet Snack) (2024)

FAQs

Is snacking on chickpeas healthy? ›

They're also very healthy, boasting vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. These characteristics may support weight management, blood sugar regulation, and brain health while reducing your risk of chronic ailments like heart disease and cancer.

How do you make chickpeas soft? ›

First, soak the chickpeas in water overnight (or for at least 6-8 hours). This helps them soften and cook more fully. We also like adding a teaspoon of baking soda to soften them even more. We tested unsoaked versions and found that soaked were much better.

Are roasted salted chickpeas good for you? ›

Roasted chickpeas are packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients. I tried making them with both sweet and savory toppings and they're all delicious. Try flavors like honey, maple syrup, salt and pepper, or ranch seasoning.

Why are my roasted chickpeas soft? ›

They are a terrific low-calorie, nutrient-dense snack with lots of fiber. A few factors determine whether they'll turn mushy when roasted: the type of chickpeas (dried and soaked overnight or dried), how well they are dried before roasting and how much oil is used (you need only a little).

Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

Chickpeas can positively impact your high blood sugar due to their low GI, high fibre and protein content. However, consuming legumes as part of a balanced meal is essential, as excessive consumption or high-GI ingredients added to chickpea recipes can raise your blood sugar levels.

Do chickpeas have a lot of salt? ›

“Dried chickpeas are essentially sodium-free.” They naturally contain only a very small amount of sodium, 11 milligrams per cup. There are workarounds to the sodium content of canned chickpeas. For starters, always rinse and drain your canned chickpeas to remove some of the sodium.

Why do you add baking soda to chickpeas? ›

By adding baking soda, you are increasing the pH of the water and making it more alkaline. This helps break down the pectin in the chickpeas which softens their skins better and faster. This is especially important when you are making hummus and want the creamiest consistency possible.

Are chickpeas the same as garbanzo beans? ›

The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

Do canned chickpeas get soft when cooked? ›

If you're boiling them on the stovetop, it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. However, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time to around 20-30 minutes. If you're using canned chickpeas, they are already precooked and soft, so they just need to be heated.

Can you eat too many roasted chickpeas? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

Are roasted chickpeas high in sugar? ›

Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) are excellent for all diabetes patients. Having a low GI means that the intake of that particular food item will not fluctuate your blood sugar levels as high as other food items. Since chickpeas have a low GI of 28, that makes roasted chana a great snack for diabetics.

Is there anything unhealthy about chickpeas? ›

Raw chickpeas contain toxic substances that do not get digested well. Cooked chickpeas also contain complex sugars, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which can be difficult to digest and are not completely absorbed by the intestines.

Does baking soda make chickpeas softer? ›

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) can be added to the soaking water (after boiling, if using the quick method) as it helps to soften the skins of the pulses, making it easier for the dried pulses to absorb some of the soaking water and helping them to rehydrate and soften.

How do you make chickpeas soft without soaking? ›

Add 7 cups of water and season. You'll boil briefly, then turn the heat down and let the chickpeas cook until tender (this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours). You do not need to soak the beans with this method, but you can if you have the time.

How do you make chickpeas soft fast? ›

The baking soda makes the water more alkaline, which softens the chickpeas more quickly by weakening their pectic bonds. Also, sautéing the chickpeas with the baking soda before adding water adds a friction which helps break down the skins and gets the baking soda to penetrate the skin better.

Is it OK to eat chickpeas everyday? ›

You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas. It's important to remember that chickpeas should not be eaten raw.

Can I eat chickpeas everyday for weight loss? ›

They can help you lose weight

Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, and low in glycemic index. All this makes chickpeas great for weight loss, as they promote a feeling of fullness. Not to mention, chickpeas also reduce your appetite and can hence help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Should I eat chickpeas for weight loss? ›

Due to the high fiber and protein content, chickpeas are considered to be great for weight loss. It is said to slow down digestion, improve satiety and keep unhealthy calories at bay. All of these factors help in shedding kilos and maintaining a healthy weight.

What is the healthiest way to eat chickpeas? ›

Toss drained chickpeas straight into soups, salads, grain bowls, and pastas for added nutrients and texture. Or whip them together with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and tahini for velvety, homemade hummus, one of the best ways to make veggies more desirable.

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