Get ready for a tasty treat with Marinated Chickpeas and Whipped Feta – a winning combo that’s bursting with flavor! This dish is not only super simple to make but also perfect for serving as a delightful appetizer or side dish. The best part? You can prepare both components in advance and assemble them effortlessly when it’s time to dig in.
Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta
Ingredients
**For the Marinated Chickpeas:**
- 2 cans 15 ounces each chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Whipped Feta:**
- 1 block 8 ounces feta cheese
- 1/2 block 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
**Marinated Chickpeas:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas, toss to coat evenly, and let them marinate while you prepare the whipped feta. This will let the flavors meld together.
**Whipped Feta:**
- In a food processor, blend the block of feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, and honey until smooth and creamy.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more honey or lemon zest as desired.
**Assembly and Serving:**
- Take a serving platter or individual plates, spreading a generous layer of whipped feta on the bottom.
- Spoon the marinated chickpeas on top of the whipped feta.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavor.
Serve this delightful dish as an appetizer or side with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy the flavors and celebrate the simplicity of this delicious recipe! 🎉