Chickpeas are a fantastically easy, inexpensive solution when you want a nutrient-dense snack. Their mild flavor and perfect snacking size makes them great for babies, toddler, and kids alike. In addition to being a good source of plant-based protein, chickpeas contain many nutrients most people are lacking like fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, and folate. Chickpeas are also a good source of the nutrient choline which is crucial to support optimal brain development and memory in our little baby geniuses.
These roasted chickpeas can be made quickly and customized easily to suit your needs. For babies and toddlers, soft roasting and then smashing slightly with the back of a spoon is ideal to minimize choking risk. For older kids, roasting for a little longer gives you a tasty, crunchy snack to replace that potato chip binge.
These turmeric spice and parmesan ranch roasted chickpeas also take advantage of the healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and parsley. It’s a double win when snacks are yummy AND food as medicine.
Turmeric Spice
1 Tbs liquid coconut oil
1 15oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp clove
pinch of ginger
dash of honey (optional)
Parmesan Ranch
1 Tbs coconut oil
1 15oz can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp dried dill
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried basil
1 Tbs parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Rinse and drain chickpeas then spread out on a towel. Use a small cloth to roll the chickpeas around on the towel. Most of the husks should fall off the bean, remove them and toss them.
Add prepared chickpeas, liquid coconut oil, and salt to a medium bowl and toss
Pour chickpeas onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25min for soft roasted or 30-40min for crunchy chickpeas
While chickpeas bake, mix turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger in a small bowl
After baking, remove chickpeas from the oven and let cool for 5 min
Once chickpeas are cool to the touch, toss them in the combined spices and stir
Enjoy!