Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas

Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas combine crunchy fried chickpeas with a rich, sugary coating infused with cinnamon and spice. This unique snack offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for satisfying cravings.

11 Feb 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

2 cups chickpeas
1 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp spice mix
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil

Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas are a delicious and unique snack that combines the earthiness of chickpeas with a sweet and spicy coating. This recipe is perfect for those who love snacking with a bit of a kick. Follow these steps to make a batch of these mouth-watering treats.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chickpeas:
- If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. If using dried chickpeas, ensure they are cooked and tender.
- Pat the chickpeas dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Heat Oil:
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it's shimmering but not smoking.

3. Fry Chickpeas:
- Add the chickpeas to the heated oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the chickpeas for about 4-5 minutes or until they become crispy and golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried chickpeas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process until all chickpeas are fried.

4. Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, spice mix, and salt.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup begins to simmer.

5. Candied Chickpeas:
- Add the fried chickpeas to the saucepan, stirring them to ensure they are fully coated with the syrup.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and starts to crystalize around the chickpeas. This process should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the chickpeas are well coated and the syrup has mostly evaporated, remove the pan from the heat.

6. Cool Down:
- Spread the candied chickpeas out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Allow them to cool completely, which will help the coating to crisp up.

7. Serve and Store:
- Once cooled, enjoy the sweet and spicy candied chickpeas as a snack!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger spread. With their irresistible combination of flavors, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a tasty addition to your party platter, these candied chickpeas will not disappoint.

Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas FAQ:

What is the baking time for sweet and spicy candied chickpeas?

This recipe does not involve baking; instead, the chickpeas are fried in oil and then coated with a sugar syrup. The entire cooking process takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

How do I know when the chickpeas are done frying?

Chickpeas are done frying when they turn crispy and golden brown, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes per batch in hot oil. Be sure to avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.

Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas for this recipe?

While chickpeas work best for this recipe, you can experiment with other beans like black beans or kidney beans. However, keep in mind that their texture and flavor will differ from chickpeas.

How should I store leftover candied chickpeas?

Store leftover candied chickpeas in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

What can I do if the sugar coating isn’t crystallizing on the chickpeas?

If the sugar syrup isn’t crystallizing, try cooking it a little longer while stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the chickpeas properly. Make sure you're using the right amount of heat to avoid burning.

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure to dry the chickpeas thoroughly before cooking to ensure they get crispy.

- Adjust the amount of spice mix to suit your heat preference.

- Store the candied chickpeas in an airtight container to keep them crispy for longer.

- Consider using a neutral oil like vegetable oil to avoid altering the flavor of the chickpeas.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings
Calories 150kcal
Protein 2.96g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 2.81g
Sugar 27g
Fat 30g

Sweet and spicy candied chickpeas