Get ready to transform your snacking game with a recipe that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious and Instagram-worthy! These Cucumber Boats with Crispy Chickpeas are about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of crunchy, fresh, and irresistibly flavorful. Imagine biting into a cool cucumber vessel filled with spicy, golden-brown chickpeas that crackle with every bite, creating a texture explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, halved and seeded
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures they become crispy when roasted.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even browning, until chickpeas are golden and crispy.
- While chickpeas are roasting, prepare the cucumbers by cutting them in half lengthwise and using a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating boat-like shapes.
- Once chickpeas are crispy and golden, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the cucumber boats on a serving platter and generously fill each boat with the crispy roasted chickpeas.
- Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the filled cucumber boats.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or mint for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the chickpeas are still warm and crispy for the best texture and taste.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness - make sure to thoroughly pat your chickpeas dry before roasting to achieve that perfect golden crunch.
- Don't overcrowd your baking sheet when roasting chickpeas; this ensures they crisp up evenly instead of steaming.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different spice blends like za'atar, curry powder, or smoked paprika.
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers with minimal seeds for the best boat structure.
- Serve immediately after preparing to maintain the crispy texture of the chickpeas.
- For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
