Blooming Good Bites

Any spring soiree will blossom with simple and delicious snacks

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Ways to Love Legumes

Chickpeas, originally cultivated in the Middle East, are now recognized as a nutrition powerhouse worldwide. They're high in protein and fiber, making them a wonderful choice for health-conscious snacking.

CHICKPEA POINTERS

For the crunchiest chickpeas, drain, rinse and rub between 2 cloth towels. This helps loosen the outer skins, which envelop the chickpeas with an extra layer of moisture.

Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas

Looking for a lighter snack that's a crowd-pleaser? You have found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, NC

Prep: 10 min. • Bake: 40 min. + cooling Makes: 2 cups

2 cans (15 oz. each) chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed, drained and patted dry
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. grated lime zest
1 Tbsp. lime juice
¾ tsp. sea salt

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a 15x10x1-in. baking sheet with foil. Spread chickpeas in a single layer over foil, removing any loose skins. Bake 40-45 minutes or until very crunchy, stirring every 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together remaining ingredients. Remove chickpeas from oven; let cool 5 minutes. Drizzle with oil mixture; shake pan to coat. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. ½ CUP 178 cal., 8g fat (1g sat. fat), 0 chol., 463mg sod., 23g carb. (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g pro. DIABETIC EXCHANGES 1½ starch, 1½ fat.

ORANGE-CURRY CHICKPEAS

Prepare chickpeas according to step 1 in the recipe above. Whisk 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. grated orange zest and 1 Tbsp. curry powder. Toss beans with the oil mixture. Cool completely.

ROSEMARY-SEA SALT CHICKPEAS