Italian Chickpea Popcorn Food

INSTANT-POT ITALIAN CHICKPEA STEW WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Make the pesto:
• Combine the basil, oil, cheese, garlic, and pine nuts in a small food processor or blender. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, adding a tablespoon or two of water or more olive oil, if necessary to get a loose-enough consistency. Set aside 1/3 cup of pesto for this recipe; the remainder can be refrigerated in an airtight container for a week or so, or frozen for several months.
• Soak the chickpeas:
• In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in the water. Add the chickpeas and soak at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours. Drain and rinse.
• Sauté the onions:
• Preheat the Instant Pot by selecting Sauté and adjust to More for high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion pieces separate and soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pressure cook:
• Add the drained chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes with their juice, stock, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Lock the lid into place. Select Manual; adjust the pressure to High and the time to 10 minutes. After cooking, naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid.
• Serve the chickpeas:
• Ladle the chickpeas into bowls and top each with a spoonful of pesto. Sprinkle with the cheese and serve.

CHICKPEA POPCORN

Steps:

• Drain and rinse the can of chickpeas over the sink, using a colander.
• Pat-dry the chickpeas with a paper towel so they're not dripping of any excess water. They should still be moist.
• Spread the chickpeas out evenly on a cookie sheet, or inside a metal cake pan. Something with short edges will be best so you can let the chickpeas roll around, and not lose any in the process ;-).
• Sprinkle the kettlecorn popcorn seasoning, or substitute the salt/sugar mixture, on top of the chickpeas. Then, do the same with the cinnamon. Tilt the pan a few times to evenly coat the chickpeas. Repeat if necessary with the remaining seasoning and cinnamon to taste. Use all of it for a more intense sweet/salty-tasting snack.
• Set oven to Broil, and broil for about 20-25 minutes. Be sure to take out the pan and/or move the chickpeas around so they don't stick to the bottom of the pan, and broil evenly.
• When finished, the chickpeas should be golden, a little dry on the outside and a little chewy still on the inside. If you want them crunchier, keep them in longer. I like mine a little chewy.

SPANISH CHICKPEA POPCORN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the chickpeas with the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 30 minutes.
• Melt the butter with the smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Toss the popcorn and roasted chickpeas in a large bowl; drizzle with the paprika butter, season with salt and toss again.

ITALIAN CHICKPEA POPCORN

Steps:

• Mix chickpeas with all ingredients. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or a bit longer until they're extra crispy.