Mediterranean Smashed Chickpeas Recipes

21 MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA RECIPES THAT ARE NOT HUMMUS: HOW TO COOK CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Soak the chickpeas. You can either soak them overnight or try the quick soaking method. To soak overnight, put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add plenty of water to cover the chickpeas by a good 3 inches. Set aside for 24 hours. For the quick soak method, put the chickpeas in a pot and add 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minute. Turn the heat off, cover and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour. Drain.
• Stovetop Method. In a large cooking pot, put the chickpeas and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Cook over medium-high heat, tossing constantly for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 7 cups of water to cover the beans by several inches. Season with a big pinch of kosher salt (about 1 teaspoon or more if you like). Add the bay leaf and garlic. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer, skimming off any foam or skins that float to the top. Chickpeas will cook anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 ½ hour or until tender (cooking time will vary depending on the type and freshness of the chickpeas).

MEDITERRANEAN SMASHED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Raise heat to medium-high. Add garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes and celery. Stir to combine let sizzle without browning for 1 minute.
• Add chickpeas and let them heat through. With a potato masher or wooden spoon, crush about half the beans. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning. Add 1/2 cup water (or bean cooking liquid if you have it) and let mixture simmer briskly for a minute or two. Stir in lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Serve warm in pita or as a dip or side dish. Garnish with quartered eggs, accompanied by minted yogurt and tahini sauce, if desired.

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA SALAD

Steps:

• Place chickpeas, soaking liquid, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large pot. Liquid should cover by 2 inches; adjust as necessary. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer gently. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are tender, about 40 minutes. Drain, and transfer to a bowl. (Makes 3 cups chickpeas.)
• Meanwhile, using a chef's knife, press flat side of blade back and forth across garlic and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to make a paste. Transfer to a bowl, and whisk in peppercorns, vinegar, oil, and oregano. Pour dressing over chickpeas. Let stand, stirring once or twice, for 30 minutes. Toss in tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, scallions, parsley, and basil.

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork., Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Sir in remaining ingredients; heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve with couscous.

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA STEW

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion to the hot oil and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add parsley and garlic; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add shredded carrot; stir often for 1 to 2 minutes. Add cubed eggplant and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour in chickpeas and tomatoes. Add broth, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Mix and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until stew has thickened and the vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes. Add more broth if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.

SMASHED SPICED CHICKPEAS - JAMIE OLIVER

Steps:

• This is so simple to make. Really it's all about personal taste - the way I look at it is that chickpeas need a good kick up the backside to really get their flavors happening. So by mashing them up and adding a good pinch of cumin for a bit of spice, a little dried chilli for a touch of heat, garlic for a bit of ooorrrggghh, a good squeezing of lemon juice to give it a twang and seasoning to taste, you pretty much hit the nail on the head. Then add extra-virgin olive oil to loosen and flavor. Love it.

MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED CHICKPEA SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together oil, vinegar, oregano, and garlic for the dressing in a small bowl until blended.
• Mix together chickpeas, olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and capers in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat. Serve with dolmas, if desired.