Spicy Chickpeas

Egyptian Spicy Chickpeas Recipe with Bell Peppers and Tomatoes

Region / culture: Egypt | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Chickpeas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. The combination of spices and vegetables creates a dish that is bursting with flavor and sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chickpeas have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, with their origins dating back to the Middle East. This recipe for Spicy Chickpeas takes inspiration from traditional Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, combining spices like cumin, chili powder, and lemon pepper to create a dish that is both spicy and savory.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp cumin seed
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp lemon pepper
thinly sliced bell pepper
3 tomatoes, chopped
2 (15 oz (425 g)) cans garbanzo beans, drained
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 onion, chopped

How to prepare

1. In a large pot, warm oil and cumin over low heat until the cumin turns a darker shade of brown.
2. Add salt, chili powder, and lemon and pepper seasoning; mix well.
3. Stir in tomatoes; once the juice begins to thicken, add in chickpeas and mix well.
4. Add lemon juice and mix well; add onions and bell pepper and stir until they become soft.
5. Remove from heat and place into a serving bowl; serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use different spices such as turmeric or garam masala for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the cumin seeds until they turn a darker shade of brown to release their full flavor.

- Be sure to stir the chickpeas frequently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Chickpeas with rice or naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cumin seeds until they release their aroma to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the chickpeas in the tomato mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for convenience.

- Substitute black beans or kidney beans for the chickpeas for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Chickpeas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Chickpeas in a colorful serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Chickpeas with a side of yogurt or raita to balance out the spiciness of the dish. Serve with a side of basmati rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Chickpeas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Chickpeas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Chickpeas contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Chickpeas contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Chickpeas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Spicy Chickpeas are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. They are a great option for a vegetarian meal or a side dish.

Summary

Spicy Chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy this flavorful dish with rice or naan bread for a complete meal that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my collection of recipe cards and cookbooks. I was in search of something new and exciting to try, something that would challenge my skills in the kitchen and impress my family at the dinner table.

As I sifted through the cards and books, my eyes landed on a small, tattered piece of paper tucked away in the back of one of my cookbooks. The writing was faded and the paper was yellowed with age, but I could make out the words "Spicy Chickpeas" written at the top. My curiosity piqued, I carefully unfolded the paper and read through the recipe.

The ingredients were simple enough – chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that promised to pack a punch. It was the method of preparation that intrigued me the most – the chickpeas were to be simmered in a spicy tomato sauce until tender and flavorful, then served hot over a bed of fluffy rice. It sounded delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, chopping the vegetables, and measuring out the spices. The kitchen soon filled with the enticing aromas of garlic, onions, and cumin as I sautéed them in a hot skillet. I added the chickpeas and tomatoes, then sprinkled in the spices, stirring everything together until the sauce was thick and fragrant.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother and grandmother, while others were shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a story, a memory of the person who had taught it to me and the moment we had shared together in the kitchen.

I remembered my mother showing me how to make her famous meatloaf, patiently guiding me through each step as I clumsily mixed the ingredients together. I recalled my grandmother teaching me the secret to her flaky pie crust, her hands deftly rolling out the dough as I watched in awe. And I thought of my dear friend Maria, who had shared her recipe for spicy salsa with me, laughing as we chopped jalapeños and tomatoes together in her sunny kitchen.

Each of these recipes had shaped me into the cook I was today, each one a piece of my culinary journey. And now, as I stirred the bubbling pot of Spicy Chickpeas on the stove, I knew that this recipe would join the ranks of my favorites, a dish that would be shared and enjoyed for years to come.

Finally, the Spicy Chickpeas were ready, the sauce thick and fragrant, the chickpeas tender and flavorful. I spooned them over a mound of steaming rice, garnished them with fresh cilantro, and carried the dish to the table, where my family eagerly awaited their dinner.

As we sat down to eat, the spicy aroma of the dish filling the air, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe, discovered on a faded piece of paper in the back of a cookbook, had brought me back to the heart of what I loved most about cooking – the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones I loved.

And as we dug into the Spicy Chickpeas, savoring each bite and sharing stories around the table, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the moments and memories that had shaped me into the cook I was today.