How to Make Traditional Çeciir at Home

Çeciir is a beloved traditional Somali snack made from roasted chickpeas. Crunchy, flavorful, and high in protein, çeciir is both a nostalgic comfort and a healthy treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Making it at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this classic snack in your own kitchen.

What is Çeciir?

Çeciir (sometimes spelled “ceciir”) refers to roasted chickpeas that are seasoned and often enjoyed as a light snack in many Somali households. It is commonly sold in markets and street stalls and sometimes served to guests with tea. The preparation varies slightly between families, but the essence remains the same—crispy, golden chickpeas seasoned to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make çeciir at home, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for added crispness)
• Salt (to taste)
• Optional spices:
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • A sprinkle of garlic powder

Note: The traditional version often keeps it simple with just salt, but feel free to personalize it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Chickpeas

Start by rinsing the dried chickpeas under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. This softens them and ensures even roasting.

Tip: If you’re short on time, a quick soak can be done by boiling them for 5 minutes and letting them sit for an hour.

2. Dry the Chickpeas

After soaking, drain the chickpeas and pat them thoroughly dry with a clean towel. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to achieving a crispy texture when roasting.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

4. Season and Prepare for Roasting

Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil if using, and sprinkle with salt. Toss well to ensure even coating.

Optional: Add your favorite spices here for extra flavor. Traditional çeciir may not include spices beyond salt, but cumin and chili powder work beautifully.

5. Roast the Chickpeas

Place the tray in the oven and roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even roasting. Keep an eye on them toward the end—you’re aiming for a golden-brown, crunchy finish, not burned chickpeas.

6. Cool and Store

Once roasted, let the chickpeas cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

The Çeciir is perfect on its own as a snack, but you can also:

• Serve it alongside Somali shaah (tea)
• Sprinkle it over salads for crunch
• Mix with nuts and dried fruit for a trail mix-style snack

Final Thoughts

Making traditional çeciir at home is easy, economical, and satisfying. Whether you’re reviving a family tradition or discovering Somali flavors for the first time, this roasted chickpea snack is a great place to start. Customize the spices to your taste, and enjoy a crunchy, healthy bite of Somali culture.

Çeciir is a beloved traditional Somali snack made from roasted chickpeas. Crunchy, flavorful, and high in protein, çeciir is both a nostalgic comfort and a healthy treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Making it at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this classic snack in…