Something remarkable happens to chickpeas when they are tossed in spices and pan-fried over high heat. They become crisp on the outside, smooth and creamy on the inside. They become something impossible to resist eating straight out of the pan.
There are hundreds of ways to serve spiced chickpeas, but this simple salad is a worthy place to start.
Although the recipe that follows calls for sautéing a small amount of chickpeas (just enough for the salad), a larger quantity of chickpeas can be easily prepared by roasting. Simply toss cooked chickpeas in olive or vegetable oil and any combination of spices. Spread them out on a baking sheet and place in a 400 F (200 C) oven. Shake the pan occasionally to help them to cook evenly, and remove when they are golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes.
Odds are, no matter how many spiced chickpeas you prepare, they will be gone before the day is up.
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Spiced Chickpea and Avocado Salad with Tahini Dressing
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
The combination of crisp chickpeas, creamy avocado, and flavorful tahini dressing make this salad the star of even the simplest of dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450 grams or 1 16-oz can) cooked chickpeas
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. white sugar
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 oz. (285 grams) mixed salad greens
- 2 ripe avocados, cut into slices
for the dressing:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- juice squeezed from half a lemon
- 2 tsp. tahini
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Place chickpeas between towels and rub gently until very dry.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle the chickpeas with paprika, cumin, sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Heat the remaining one tbsp olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium-high heat. Just as the oil begins to smoke, add the seasoned chickpeas to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chickpeas turn an even golden brown, about 5 minutes. Spread the chickpeas on paper towels to cool.
- Right before serving, combine the cooled chickpeas, salad greens, and avocados.
- Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing until smooth, adding salt to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad as desired and serve immediately. (Reserve any remaining dressing in the refrigerator for up to three days.)
Notes
- Chickpeas (also labeled as garbanzo beans) can be bought dried or pre-cooked in cans.
- In this recipe, the chickpeas can be prepared a couple hours ahead of time, but will not remain as crisp if stored overnight before serving.
- The salad dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Store in a sealed container and shake vigorously before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the chickpeas need to be very dry before going into the pan?
The instructions say to place the rinsed chickpeas between towels and rub gently until very dry before tossing with oil and spices. Moisture on the surface causes steaming in the pan, which prevents the crispy exterior the article describes — “crisp on the outside, smooth and creamy on the inside.”
Can I roast the chickpeas in the oven instead of pan-frying them?
Yes — the article says a larger quantity of spiced chickpeas can be prepared by tossing them in olive or vegetable oil plus spices, spreading on a baking sheet, and roasting at 400°F (200°C), shaking the pan occasionally, until golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes.
How far ahead can I prepare the chickpeas and dressing?
The notes say the chickpeas can be prepared a couple of hours ahead but will not remain as crisp if stored overnight. The tahini dressing can be made further in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days — shake the sealed container vigorously before serving.
nooooo, you didn’t! I am going to destroy this salad when I make it!!!! Been trying to perfect a spiced chickpea and tahini dressing salad for ages! wooo!