Vegan Snack: Roasted Chickpeas + Discovered Pale Ale! (only for those of age, of course!)

These roasted chickpeas are a delicious low-calorie and protein rich filler for a sandwich or a crunchy  salad topper! They are even better perfectly on their own (or paired with beer) for an easy-to-transport energy-packed snack. Great for those on the go! This versitale and tasty little bean can be eaten as is from the can or roasted to reach the height of flavor.  I hated garbanzos as a kid (along with lima beans) since mom would always find a way to sneak them into my dinner. My true love for them didn't come into my teens where I became a vegetarian, and was forced to try new foods. Chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are always in my cupboard for the obvious reason that they are packed will protein, very affordable! I love this recipe for parties and beer night snacks. However, avoid these guys if you're watching your salt intake as all canned beans have higher levels of sodium. Regardless, they offer up a whopping 12 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat.

 Ingredients: 

-1 can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained

- olive oil

- lemon

- paprika

-garlic powder

-cracked black pepper and salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350dgrees F. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, to remove some of the extra sodium from canned beans. Drain and let dry. In a bowl, mix a few drizzles of olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Pour oil mixture over chickpeas and toss with hands until all chickpeas are coated evenly.

The longer they stay in the oven, the toastier and crunchier they get. 

Total Cost: less than $2
Calories: 280 per cup

AND,

Get ready to keep the weekend going with this out of the ordinary treasure.  I found this beer at the 99 cents only store in Hollywood.  You can't go wrong with$6 (cheap!).  This Pale Ale reminds me of fresh based Pumperknickle bread hints.  Wheaty and toasty -- yet fresh and crisp.  It's a nice pairing with these Roasted Chickpeas too! It's best enjoyed with a salty snack that is rich in carbs -- if you want to stay on your feet for the night.

con gusto, 

THE LOVE CATs.