Chick Peas - Crisp Fried and Spicy

9/5/12 New Data; developments in the recipe:

This results in a crunchier snack with more bean flavor.

Start with  1 pound of dried beans.

Sort to remove rocks and soak overnight or longer.

Drain and rinse beans in a colander.

Spread them in a towel lined sheet pan to dry.

Deep fry uncooked beans in olive oil @ 320 for 15 minutes, covered so that beans that pop are contained.  I am using a Fry Daddy connected to a Sous-vide temperature controller. I do 1 pound of dried beans in three 2 cup batches. The temperature drops to ~250 and recovers to 320 after about 8 minutes.

Drain on paper towels and transfer to a bowl

Sprinkle with cajun spice and distribute to cover.

If using the "cool ranch" spices, pour the beans into a dish or plate so that they pack it tightly in one layer and sprinkle the spice powder on top.  Broil until the spice mixture sticks to the beans. It can look alarmingly brown.




Old recipe:{

Rinse Chick Peas in a collander and remove as may skins as possible.  

Dry with cloth or paper towels.

Deep fry olive oil in handful batches @ 320 for 8 minutes.

Drain on paper towels and transfer to a bowl

Sprinkle with spice and distribute to cover

}

In developing this recipe I've just been using Zatarain's Creole Seasoning but my guess is anything from a Moroccan spice mix to powdered ranch dressing would do.

I'm also playing with starting with dry beans and cooking them in seasoned water to enhance the flavor.


"Cool Ranch" spice mix

1/2 packet Ranch dressing mix  (4 tsp.)

1/4 packet cheese powder from a box of white cheddar mac and cheese (4 tsp.) *see note

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. onion powder

pinch Paprika

* I have seen Kraft white cheddar cheese powder on line but not in stores.  This looked good but I don't need a pound of it http://www.amazon.com/Cheddar-Cheese-Powder-1-lb/dp/B00016LZT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343838422&sr=8-1&keywords=kraft+cheese+powder .  I used a white cheddar popcorn topping.


Another:

Kind of Cool Ranch
- One Ranch Dressing spice pack
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons season salt
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Teas. Garlic Powder