Crispy Chickpeas and Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) dried pasta 250g (8.8 oz) dried pasta
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 68g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, spread the drained chickpeas on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and chili flakes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce and toss until well coated.
7. 7.
   Serve the pasta topped with the crispy roasted chickpeas and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — Make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt or brine.
• Dried pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy when combined with the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the tomato sauce before tossing it with the pasta.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the tomato sauce.
• If you're short on time, you can use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes for a quicker preparation.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Chickpeas and Pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious tomato sauce.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange a few crispy chickpeas on top of the pasta and sprinkle some additional fresh parsley. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish for a glossy finish.