08 Jun 2025
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.
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.
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.