15 Snacks for Every Craving

When you’d rather graze than feast

Photo: Burcu Avsar & Zack DeSart

I don’t know about you, but if I had to choose snacks over actual meals, I’d more often than not go with snacking because there’s an opportunity to try more things, you’re not pummeled by a big meal, and snacking can be fun.

I would not describe tomorrow’s snacking as “fun.” But I’m certain you’d appreciate a spread that includes a few of these dishes. Who doesn’t appreciate a snack to tide you over when nerves are frayed?

Note that I didn’t include sweets on the list: I wanted to keep the list in the spirit of snacks-for-dinner. Read on for favorites from Bittman.

1. Chickpea Fries

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• Good quality vegetable oil for greasing and frying
• 1 cup chickpea flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Finely grated parmesan, optional

Instructions

1. Grease a rimmed baking sheet or pizza pan. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Gradually add the chickpea flour, with a large pinch of salt and pepper, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
2. Scoop the chickpea mixture onto the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Let cool for a few minutes, then cover loosely with parchment or plastic. Refrigerate until chilled through, about 30 minutes.
3. Put enough vegetable oil to come to a depth of at least ⅛ inch (¼ inch is better) in a large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, take the chilled chickpea mixture out of the refrigerator and cut into 3½ inch fries, triangles, or rounds (using a cookie cutter). Gently put batches of the fries in the hot oil and fry, rotating them for even cooking and browning on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes total.
4. Drain the fries on a paper towel and immediately sprinkle with salt, lots of pepper, and parmesan if you’d like.

2. Salty-Sweet Buttered Popcorn

Makes: 4 to 6 servings
Time: About 10 minutes

Ingredients