Crispy Turmeric Chickpea Skillet (Printable Version)

Golden crispy chickpeas with turmeric spices and fresh greens

# Ingredient List:

→ Chickpeas & Base

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices

05 - 1½ tsp ground turmeric
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
09 - ¾ tsp salt

→ Greens & Finish

10 - 3 cups baby spinach
11 - Juice of ½ lemon
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

→ Optional Toppings

13 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
14 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat chickpeas completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness during cooking.
02 - Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add dried chickpeas and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes.
03 - Add sliced red onion to skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize.
04 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until spices become fragrant, being careful not to burn garlic.
05 - Add baby spinach to skillet and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Spinach should remain bright green.
06 - Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over mixture and toss thoroughly to combine. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley.
07 - Serve warm, topped with dollop of yogurt if desired and extra lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The chickpeas get impossibly crispy without deep frying, creating this addictive texture contrast against the wilted greens
  • It is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • Do not skip the step of drying the chickpeas thoroughly because even a little moisture will prevent them from getting that irresistible crispy exterior
  • Let the pan get properly hot before adding the chickpeas, otherwise they will just steam instead of developing that golden crunch
03 -
  • If you have extra time, roast the chickpeas in the oven at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes before skillet cooking for even more crunch
  • Let the chickpeas get darker than you think you should because that is where the deep, nutty flavor develops

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