Feta And Tomato Braised Chickpeas Recipes

HARISSA-BRAISED CHICKPEAS WITH FETA

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the harissa, anchovy paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Add the wine and simmer until reduced by half. Add the chickpeas, thyme, remaining 1/2 cup olive oil, about 1/4 teaspoon pepper and a few good pinches of salt and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are very soft, 35 to 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the lemon halves cut-side down until they get some nice brown marks on them.
• When the chickpeas are ready, squeeze in the juice from the grilled lemon halves. Discard the thyme sprigs. Place a dollop of yogurt in each serving bowl, then use a slotted spoon to scatter some of the chickpeas on top. Add some crumbled feta, a handful of herbs and a bunch of turns of pepper to each bowl. Serve with crusty bread.

CHICKPEA, CHERRY TOMATO, AND FETA SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse and drain chickpeas.
• In a bowl, combine chickpeas with tomatoes, feta, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and a pinch of pepper.

TOMATO SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS AND FETA

Steps:

• Place tomatoes into a large bowl and add the garlic and 1 teaspoon salt. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently toss the tomatoes so that everything is evenly coated. Let the tomatoes sit for about 10 minutes. (The salt will draw out flavor from the tomatoes.)
• Meanwhile make the topping: Combine the sunflower seeds, pepitas, almonds, pistachios, granola if using, sesame seeds, chile powder and salt. Toss to combine. Season with a few turns of black pepper and stir everything together.
• Add the chickpeas, feta, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to the tomatoes and toss to combine. Taste and adjust olive oil, salt and pepper to your liking. Tear up basil leaves and sprinkle on top.
• To serve, transfer tomatoes to a serving platter or individual bowls. When you are ready to eat, sprinkle with the crisp topping.

BRAISED CHICKEN WITH TOMATOES, CUMIN AND FETA

Steps:

• Pat the chicken dry, trim away excess fat, then season well all over with salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons cumin.
• Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy 12-inch skillet over medium until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. (It's OK if they are a little snug; they will shrink as they cook.) Cook without moving until the skin is crispy and easily releases from the pan, about 8 to 10 minutes. Use tongs to turn over and cook until the bottom is lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes more, then transfer to a plate.
• Add the onions to the rendered chicken fat in the skillet, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon cumin and the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the harissa and let cook for about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high, then adjust the temperature to maintain an active simmer. Cook until it becomes a deeper red color, about 5 minutes more.
• Add any juices that collected on the plate, stir to mix, then nestle in the chicken thighs, skin-side up, so that the skin is above the sauce. Adjust the heat to maintain a simmer, then partly cover and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, 15 to 18 minutes. (If you'd like crispier skin, pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two.)
• Garnish with the feta and cilantro and serve with bread or herbed rice.

GREEK TOMATO FETA FRITTERS (DOMATOKEFTETHES)

Steps:

• Stir together tomatoes, zucchini, green onions, kosher salt, sugar, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne in a bowl to combine.
• Let sit for 15 minutes for the sugar and salt to draw out liquids from the vegetables.
• Stir the tomato mixture; add parsley, mint, and basil. Crumble in feta cheese. Add flour and baking powder; mix with a spoon until combined. Batter should be relatively loose but will hold its shape on a spoon. If too loose, add more flour; if too dry, add some water until desired consistency is reached.
• Wrap the bowl in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), or use a deep fryer.
• Place heaping tablespoonfuls of batter in the hot oil; reduce heat to medium. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Flip once more and fry for an additional 30 seconds, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.