Description
A flavorful and spicy dish featuring Harissa Chickpeas served over creamy Whipped Feta. This Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light main.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Harissa Chickpeas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon harissa paste (mild or spicy)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Whipped Feta:
- 6 ounces feta cheese (block-style, not crumbled)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor or blender, combine feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, harissa paste, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chickpeas and water or broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are heated through and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble: Spread whipped feta onto a serving plate or shallow bowl. Spoon the warm harissa chickpeas over the top. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with lemon wedges and warm pita or crusty bread.
Notes
- Harissa paste varies in heat—adjust to taste or mix with a bit of tomato paste to mellow it.
- Store leftover whipped feta and chickpeas separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Great as an appetizer, side dish, or light main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
