One of my girlfriend’s kids calls chickpeas (garbanzo beans) “bottoms” because they kind of look like bottoms/bums/heinies. Well when I told my eldest this, he thought they looked more like hearts.  I love either.  Fun images that conjur good thoughts in their minds.  If kids have positive associations with food, I believe it helps them try new things/enjoy good foods. 

I love that our kids enjoy a wonderful staple and will eat them in all different manners.  My friend’s sons eat them right out of the can as a snack.  Both our sons also love hummus.  I’ve been adding chickpeas to many dishes in the past year, but this week I tried a few new recipes and each time they were well received.  

I’d been reading about roasted chickpeas for a while now so I thought I’d take a stab at making them.  There’s something about chickpeas that Moroccan spices come to mind, so i thought they’d naturally go well together in this manner.

Roasted Bottoms or Hearts (Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans)

1 can chickpeas

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp turmeric (optional)

⅛ tsp cayenne (optional)

sea salt and ground pepper to taste

Tbsp olive oil

Preheat oven to 375°F.   Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and spread out on baking sheet.  Roast in oven for 15-20 minutes.  Serve and enjoy!

So easy and so delicious!  Brought these as an appetizer to a party with kale chips and turkey meatballs.  My eldest son liked them so much that he blurted out in class (complete segue I gather), “Has anyone tried roasted chickpeas?  They’re delicious!”

I’ll post the dukkah and other creation later.