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Calia e simenza
Calia e simenza: Palermo's paper bag of toasted chickpeas and salted pumpkin seeds
Calia (toasted chickpeas) and simenza (salted pumpkin seeds) are sold together in twisted paper bags by the old caliari of Palermo, at the Festino of Santa Rosalia in July, along the Foro Italico seafront and outside the Teatro Massimo after a show. You crack the seeds with your teeth and chase them with the crunchy, nutty chickpeas, a habit that can last a whole evening. This home version roasts soaked dried chickpeas and salted seeds in the oven. Chef's tip: dry the soaked chickpeas really well; any surface water steams them instead of making them crunchy.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 6
Ingredients
- 7 oz dried chickpeassoaked overnight in cold water
- 2 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp olive oil
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F (325°F fan). Drain 7 oz dried chickpeas and rub them dry in a clean tea towel, then spread on a tray and leave to air-dry for 10 minutes.
10 minStep 2: Toss the chickpeas with 1 tsp olive oil and roast for 40–45 minutes, shaking the tray every 10 minutes, until golden, crisp and hollow-sounding when you bite one. Common mistake: taking them out too soon; they should crunch right through, not be chalky in the middle.
45 minStep 3: Meanwhile dissolve 2 tsp fine salt in 1 cup water in a small pan, add 5 ½ oz pumpkin seeds in their shells and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain well.
6 minStep 4: Spread the seeds on a second tray and roast alongside the chickpeas for the last 15–20 minutes, stirring once, until dry and lightly toasted.
20 minStep 5: Cool both completely on the trays; they crisp further as they cool. Mix and serve in paper bags. Keep in an airtight jar for up to 1 week.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 250 kcal
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbs
- 24 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fibre
- 7 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does calia e simenza take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 6 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of dried chickpeas?
- Cannellini or butter beans, same amount.
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