Description
Crispy Chickpeas & Halloumi with Garlicky Yogurt
This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is a delicious twist on a classic comfort meal! Crispy chickpeas, garlicky yogurt, and perfectly fried halloumi come together to create a balanced meal that’s crispy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s an adaptation of a meat-filled recipe, where halloumi makes for an incredible vegetarian substitution. Ready to elevate your dinner game?
1 lb halloumi, sliced
1 large bunch swiss chard
6 tbsp olive oil
4 cups cooked chickpeas
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. Saute halloumi until browned. Set aside.
2. Saute chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and spices until crispy.
3. Saute chard. Mix with chickpeas and serve topped with halloumi and yogurt.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 430
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Garlicky Yogurt: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt, mix well, and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Crisp the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halloumi slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate.
3. Cook the Chickpeas: In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil. Add the cooked chickpeas, spreading them in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to crisp on one side. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin seeds, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and crispy. Transfer the chickpea mixture to a bowl.
4. Wilt the Swiss Chard: Add the final 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Add the chopped Swiss chard (stems and leaves) and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
5. Assemble: Combine the wilted chard with the crispy chickpeas. Spread the garlicky yogurt on a serving platter. Top with the chickpea and chard mixture, then arrange the crispy halloumi slices on top.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a hearty main course with warm pita bread or flatbread for scooping. For a lighter meal, present it over a bed of quinoa or couscous. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped mint or parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar for an authentic Middle Eastern touch.
How-to Summary
Create a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. Pan-fry halloumi until golden and crispy. In the same pan, crisp chickpeas with garlic and spices. Sauté Swiss chard until wilted. Combine chard and chickpeas, serve over the yogurt sauce, and top with halloumi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, drain, rinse, and thoroughly pat them dry with a kitchen towel before cooking. This is crucial for achieving crispiness.
What can I substitute for halloumi? Paneer or extra-firm tofu (pressed and sliced) are good alternatives, though the texture will be different.
How do I store leftovers? Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The halloumi and chickpeas will lose crispiness but can be briefly reheated in a skillet.
Is the yogurt sauce necessary? It provides a essential creamy, tangy balance to the salty, crispy elements. A tahini sauce could also work as a substitute.
Can I make this dish vegan? Absolutely. Use a thick, plain vegan yogurt for the sauce and substitute the halloumi with seasoned, pan-fried extra-firm tofu or a vegan halloumi alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the halloumi and chickpeas; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning and crispiness. Do not skip drying the chickpeas, as moisture will cause them to steam instead of crisp. Be careful not to burn the garlic and spices when adding them to the chickpeas; add them towards the end of the chickpea cooking time.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chickpeas & Halloumi dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors and textures. It’s a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal that feels both comforting and elegant. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can master this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home any night of the week.