Football season is nigh upon us. What could be more yummy and healthful than a few handfuls of roasted garbanzo beans? All that protein and fiber plus some heart-healthy spices to boot. Make a bunch to keep on hand to munch.

SPICY ROASTED GARBANZOS

Ingredients:

• (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans (chick peas)
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning, heaping
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• cayenne, to taste

Directions

1. Drain garbanzo’s in a strainer and rinse well with cool water. Shake to help remove water. Let sit to drain while proceeding.
2. Cover a rimmed cookie sheet or shallow casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour garbanzos on the foil and spread them into a single layer. Take a few sheets of paper towel and gently press over the top of the beans just to remove any extra liquid- speeds cooking time too.
3. Spray top of beans with cooking spray and sprinkle seasonings over the beans. Shake pan to help distribute the seasoning and make sure the beans are all in a single layer.
4. Place pan in an oven and set to 350 F- no need to preheat. Use lowest rack on oven and return every 15-20 minutes or so to shake the pan so nothing burns. Be gentle or they may spill over the sides. Cook until beans are browned and crispy. About 45 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and pour into a plastic bowl with tight fitting lid to cool.
6. Keep stored in the bowl for best freshness or in a ziploc bag.