Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad 7pointsplus Value Recipe 465

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKPEA SALAD (BALELA)

Steps:

• Whisk together the dressing and taste to adjust any of the ingredients.
• Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss lightly with the dressing.
• Serve with labneh, either along side, or on top, and fresh pita bread, toasted or not.

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKPEA SALAD 7POINTSPLUS VALUE RECIPE - (4.6/5)

Steps:

• Place oven rack in middle position. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or coat with cooking spray. Coat both sides of split pita with cooking spray; place rough side up on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and cumin. Bake until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, water, oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cumin and pepper. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion and parsley; toss to coat. Let stand tossing occasionally, at least 10 minutes for flavors to blend. To serve, line each of four plates with 1 1/2 cups lettuce. Top each with a slightly heaping 1 1/4 cups chickpea mixture. Break 1/2 of each pita into small pieces over each salad. Drizzle any dressing left in bottom of bowl evenly over salads. Serve. Yields 1 salad per serving. Notes This salad can be made 1 day ahead but add the pita pieces just before serving.

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• In large heavy skillet sauté garlic, ginger and onion in oil 3-5 minutes until soft.
• Add tomatoes, break in smaller pieces. Add 1/2 reserved juice. Add rest of spices. Cook 5 minutes.
• Add garbanzos, cook 10 minutes. If too thick, add rest of juice. Add parsley and toss. This recipe isn't too spicy, it's the minimum. Add more to your taste.