Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

Introduction

Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta is a flavorful and creamy dish perfect for appetizers or light meals. The tangy whipped feta pairs beautifully with spiced, tender chickpeas, creating a delightful Mediterranean-inspired treat.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas and toss well to coat evenly. Let the chickpeas marinate while preparing the whipped feta to allow flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and honey.
5. Step 5: Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more honey or lemon zest if preferred.
7. Step 7: On a serving platter or individual plates, spread a generous layer of whipped feta.
8. Step 8: Spoon the marinated chickpeas evenly over the whipped feta.
9. Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
10. Step 10: Optionally, drizzle extra olive oil on top and sprinkle additional smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavor.
11. Step 11: Serve with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Swap smoked paprika with regular paprika or ground cumin for a milder taste.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the whipped feta for extra brightness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The marinated chickpeas may absorb more flavor over time. Reheat gently or serve chilled. The whipped feta is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and stirred before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, but you need to soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand until tender. Canned chickpeas are a convenient option that saves time.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe contains dairy ingredients like feta, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based yogurt alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.

Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

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4.6 from 124 reviews

This Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta recipe offers a flavorful and creamy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. Tender chickpeas are marinated in fragrant olive oil infused with oregano, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro, then paired with luscious whipped feta blended with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon zest. The combination creates a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and herbal notes, making it a delightful dish to serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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 (adjust as needed)

Instructions

1. Combine Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, place the rinsed and drained chickpeas, preparing them for marination.
2. Whisk Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chopped fresh cilantro, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
3. Marinate Chickpeas: Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas and toss thoroughly to coat each chickpea evenly. Allow them to marinate while preparing the whipped feta to enhance flavor melding.
4. Prepare Whipped Feta: In a food processor, combine feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and honey.
5. Blend Ingredients: Blend all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add water to reach the desired consistency.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the whipped feta and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more honey or lemon zest to balance the flavors.
7. Assemble the Dish: On a serving platter or individual plates, spread a generous layer of whipped feta as the base.
8. Add Chickpeas: Spoon the marinated chickpeas evenly over the whipped feta layer.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes on top for added color and a touch of heat.
10. Optional Drizzle: Drizzle extra olive oil over the dish and optionally sprinkle additional smoked paprika or black pepper for enhanced flavor.
11. Serve: Present the marinated chickpeas with whipped feta as a delicious appetizer or side dish, perfect for pairing with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• Use canned chickpeas for convenience, but cooking dried chickpeas will enhance texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of honey in the whipped feta to control sweetness according to your preference.
• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• The whipped feta can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• This dish works well as part of a mezze platter or as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Keywords: marinated chickpeas, whipped feta, Mediterranean appetizer, vegetarian dip, easy party recipe, feta cheese dip