Spicy Persian Chickpea Delight 🌶️🥗

Recipe: Kurdish Chickpea Salad 🥗

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Description:

A spicy Persian-inspired salad served warm, boasting a symphony of flavors from earthy cumin to zesty lime juice. This vibrant dish, bursting with the wholesomeness of chickpeas and the freshness of herbs, is a testament to the rich culinary tapestry of Southwest Asia.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin seed
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

2. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Incorporate the grated ginger, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, lime juice, diced tomatoes, and chickpeas into the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the salad to heat through.

5. Serve the Kurdish Chickpea Salad hot, garnished generously with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 287.2
• Fat: 15.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 656.5mg
• Carbohydrates: 32.4g
  • Fiber: 6.5g
  • Sugar: 2.1g
• Protein: 7g

Recipe Notes:

• Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or legumes in place of chickpeas, such as black beans or kidney beans, to add your own twist to this versatile salad.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve this salad as a standalone dish for a light lunch or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying dinner option.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.