Roasted garbanzo beans

What Is The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet has always spoken to me. I’m very much an (almost) anything in moderation kind of girl. I love food and luckily for me most of it seems to love me. The heart healthy Mediterranean Diet focuses on plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, seafood, healthy fats like olive oil and wine. Yes, you heard me right. Wine in moderation is allowed. And as long as I’m stocking up on my veggies and fish I can also enjoy a little whole grain bread dipped in a bit of extra-virgin olive oil with that occasional glass ‘o wine. Sign me up!
For a more visual explanation check out the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid created 25 years ago by Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition organization.

The 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook

This cookbook is full of super flavorful Mediterranean inspired recipes that are ready in 30 minutes or less. If you have a special dietary restriction, there are several nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, vegetarian and vegan options. All of the recipes are accessible and simple. In the beginning of the book Serena and Deanna explain the multitude of health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet including reduced risk of arthritis, Alzheimers, diabetes, cancer and asthma. From breakfast, to pizza and pasta, to fish and seafood, to dessert the 30-Minute Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is a book for everyone.
I always say that I would step on a cupcake to get to a bowl of pita chips. When I have a craving it’s not for something sweet, but something salty, tangy and crunchy like garlic almond kale chips. Boy did I hit the jackpot with this baked chickpeas recipe. And considering they are gluten-free, nut-free, diary-free and vegan they are a perfect roasted chickpeas snack!
In addition to olive oil and salt this version has fresh thyme and orange zest. It is the perfect flavor combination to capitalize on the crunchy on the outside, but creamy on the inside quality of the chickpeas. The thyme and salt add a great savory note, while the orange zest adds a subtle zing of freshness. You may want to make a double batch!

How To Make This Roasted Chickpea Recipe

1. Dry those chickpeas. In order to get them crispy on the outside they need to be dry. You don’t want mushy steamed chickpeas do you?
2. Oil up those chickpeas. It doesn’t take much, just 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil for a 15 ounce can. But the combination of the oil and contact with the baking sheet will result in uber-crunchy chickpeas.
3. Heat is your friend. Baking them at a high heat (450 degrees) really creates that crispy exterior and keeps the creamy inside texture. The key is to watch them closely and shake the pan occasionally to make sure they don’t burn. If you have an oven that runs hot, you may want to consider lowering the heat to 400 or 425 degrees and possibly roasting them for a bit longer if needed.
4. Get creative with the flavors. Mixing up the flavor combinations like cumin and lime zest or curry powder and ground ginger will keep the awesome snack from getting boring. I can’t wait to try Serena’s favorite combo of unsweetened cocoa powder and smoked paprika. Whoa! So open up that spice cabinet and get a little crazy!