Moroccan Chickpea Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Moroccan Chickpea Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals, particularly those cooked on the barbecue. Rich in flavors and textures, this salad is not only a delight for your taste buds but also an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters, thanks to its low cholesterol and high fiber content. Preparing the dried garbanzo beans requires an overnight soak, ensuring that they are tender and ready to absorb the delicious dressing and spices that make this salad so special.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried garbanzo beans | 1 1/3 cups |
| Scallions | 4, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 1, diced |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Fresh parsley | 8 sprigs, chopped |
| Kalamata olives | 1 cup, pitted and sliced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Olive oil | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving (1/6 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 66.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g |
| Sugars | 5.9 g |
| Protein | 9.2 g |
Cooking Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by placing the dried garbanzo beans in a large saucepan, ensuring they are well covered with water. |
| 2 | Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor during cooking. |
| 3 | Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. |
| 4 | Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and set aside, discarding any loose skins that may have come off during cooking. |
| 5 | In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped scallions, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and parsley, along with the sliced kalamata olives. |
| 6 | Add the minced garlic to the bowl, followed by the cooked chickpeas. Toss everything together gently to combine. |
| 7 | In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create a dressing. |
| 8 | Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated. |
| 9 | Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving. |
Serving Suggestions
This Moroccan Chickpea Salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or can be enjoyed as a light main course. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter, and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Rich in flavor and nutrition, this Moroccan Chickpea Salad is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. With its vibrant colors and zesty dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite for gatherings, barbecues, or simply as a wholesome meal. Enjoy the process of making it, and relish the joy it brings to your table!
