Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta

Looking for a snack that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare? Try these Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta from Food Dolls! With a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures, and sweet and savoury flavours, this dish is ready in minutes. Whether it’s an afternoon snack, a casual gathering, or you want to elevate girl’s night, this easy recipe will be the star.

Chickpeas aren’t just a powerhouse of plant-based protein; they’re also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, folate, and magnesium. Whether you’re looking to boost your nutrient intake or enjoy a versatile ingredient, chickpeas bring a lot to the table.

No Cooking Game Changer

With minimal prep and no cooking required, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack in no time. Perfect for any occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta

Serves 12

What You’ll Need

For the Marinated Chickpeas:

• 2 x 425g cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 Tablespoons fresh coriander chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Whipped Feta:

• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• ½ block (4 oz) cream cheese
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove minced
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup water

What You’ll Do

For the Marinated Chickpeas:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas and toss to coat them evenly. Let the chickpeas marinate while you prepare the whipped feta. This will allow the flavours to meld together.

For the Whipped Feta:

1. In a food processor, add the block of feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, and honey.
2. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembly

1. Take a serving platter or individual plates and spread a generous layer of the whipped feta on the bottom.
2. Spoon the marinated chickpeas on top of the whipped feta.
3. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
4. Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavour.
5. Serve the marinated chickpeas with whipped feta as a delicious appetiser or side dish. It can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

There are countless ways to enjoy this dish! Spoon the marinated chickpeas over rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl, mix them into pasta for a unique twist, or use them as a topping for baked potatoes. For lighter options, try layering them on avocado toast or stuffing them into capsicum or tomatoes.

The whipped feta is just as versatile—spread it on toast, sandwiches, wraps, or bagels, use it as a base for flatbreads or pizzas, or dollop it on roasted vegetables for extra flavour. You can swirl it into soups or serve it alongside grilled meats as a rich, tangy condiment. The possibilities are endless!

Store the marinated chickpeas and whipped feta separately in airtight containers. Both will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making it a convenient option to enjoy throughout the week.

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