Skillet toasting chickpeas yields good flavor and texture every time. These are good eaten out of hand as an appetizer or snack in place of far more caloric nuts.
2teaspoonsreduced-sodium soy sauce or Bragg liquid amines
1teaspoonmaple syrup or agave nectar
1tablespoonlemon or lime juice
1 ½cupscookedor one 15- to 16-ounce can, drained and rinsed chickpeas
Smoked or sweet paprikaground cumin, chili powder, mesquite, freshly ground pepper, jerk seasoning, salt-free seasoning blend, or other favorite spices, to taste
Combine the oil, soy sauce, syrup, and lemon juice in a medium skillet and stir together. Stir in the chickpeas.
Bring the mixture to a slow simmer over medium heat, then simmer (uncovered) until the liquid is completely reduced and envelopes the chickpeas nicely, stirring occasionally.
Cook until the chickpeas are touched with golden brown spots here and there. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Choose 2 or 3 of the spices listed, and use about 1 teaspoon in total — 1 ½ teaspoons at most! Don't use too much spice, or it will overwhelm this quantity of chickpeas. Even with just pepper, these taste awesome. The idea is to find combinations that you enjoy most.
Sprinkle desired spices into the skillet, and cook, stirring, until the spices are evenly distributed, about a minute longer.
Transfer the chickpeas to a small shallow serving bowl. Allow to cool until just warm or room temperature, then serve.