Crispy Chickpeas with Aleppo Pepper

Here is a recipe that makes a perfect snack or appetizer. These Crispy Chickpeas with Aleppo Pepper are addictive with just the right amount of heat. Chickpeas are a nutritious staple ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. You will find that a lot of Middle Eastern dishes – especially condiments and snacks – use chickpeas and other legumes as their base. The most notable recipe is Hummus, a creamy and well-seasoned chickpea pureé that is typically eaten with flatbread. In the Middle East, chickpeas are relatively inexpensive and grow easily and abundantly. Herbs and spices also help lay the foundation for many Middle Eastern dishes. Aleppo Pepper is one of the more popular spices that boasts a rich red hue and comes from the Halabi (halaby) pepper. It has a fruity undertone and a savory flavor reminiscent of sun-dried tomatoes. You can use Aleppo Pepper in rubs, marinades and also sprinkled into olive oil as a bread dipping sauce. 

This recipe uses our Aleppo Pepper flakes and comes together in a flash. The chickpeas are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Their earthy flavor pairs well with the fruity, slow-building heat from the Aleppo Pepper making this an insanely addictive snack. 

Our Chefs created this recipe to serve as an accompaniment to olives, sliced vegetables and fresh fruit as part of an appetizer spread. In Middle Eastern cuisine this is called “mezze” which is a selection of small dishes grouped together and served as an appetizer or enjoyed by itself. Try this recipe at your next gathering for an exotic small bite.