Fried Chickpea Bliss: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack

The Magic of Fried Chickpeas

If you’re looking for a tasty and addictive snack that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place. This fried chickpea recipe, featuring crispy sage and a hint of smoked paprika, is sure to become a favorite. And the best part? You can easily customize it to your taste by substituting dried beans for canned beans. Simply cook 1 1/2 cups of dried beans to replace each 15-ounce can.

A Recipe Worth Sharing

This mouthwatering dish has been featured in several recipe collections and is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of chickpeas, be sure to try other delicious variations, such as spicy roasted chickpeas.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe yields 6-8 servings and is considered easy to make, with a total preparation time of 30 minutes and active cooking time of 20 minutes.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Olive and canola oil for frying
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 40-50 medium fresh sage leaves

Let’s Get Frying!

1. Heat the Oil

   Fill a large heavy-bottomed pot with 3 inches of oil (half olive, half canola) and heat to 375°F over medium heat.

2. Prep the Chickpeas

   Dry the drained chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, and paprika, and whisk to break up any lumps. Add the chickpeas and toss to coat.

3. Fry the Chickpeas

   Working in two batches, fry the chickpeas until they stop popping and turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove with a skimmer or frying basket to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.

4. Fry the Sage

   Combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour and sage leaves in a small bowl, toss to lightly coat, and tap off excess flour. Working in two batches, fry the sage in oil until the leaves stop foaming, about 10-15 seconds. Remove with a skimmer or frying basket to the paper-towel-lined baking sheet.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

   Toss together the chickpeas and sage in a bowl and serve immediately. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!