Crispy Lemon Herb Chickpea Smash

A delightfully crispy and zesty chickpea dish, infused with fresh lemon and earthy oregano for a comforting Mediterranean snack.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 35 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel to ensure they roast to a perfect crispness. Moisture can inhibit the crispy texture, so this step is key.
2. 2.
   Drizzle the olive oil over the chickpeas, ensuring an even coat. Toss the chickpeas with your hands to distribute the oil thoroughly. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and pepper evenly over the chickpeas. Toss again to ensure every chickpea is seasoned well. The even distribution of oil and seasoning helps each chickpea become flavorful and crunchy.
3. 3.
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the chickpeas for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even roasting. You're looking for a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become too hard.
4. 4.
   While the chickpeas are roasting, mix the lemon juice with a pinch of additional salt in a small bowl. This will enhance the dish with a fresh citrus note and balance the richness of the olive oil.
5. 5.
   Once the chickpeas are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the lemon juice over them while they are still hot. This will allow the juice to infuse and coat the crispy chickpeas. Toss gently to combine and serve warm. If they seem too dry after lemon juice, a slight drizzle of olive oil can restore some moisture.