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 (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chickpeas: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Pour over chickpeas and toss to coat. Let marinate while preparing feta.
- Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor, add feta, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, and honey. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste whipped feta and adjust seasoning if needed — more honey for sweetness, or lemon zest for brightness.
- Assemble: Spread a generous layer of whipped feta on a serving platter or plate.
- Top: Spoon marinated chickpeas over the whipped feta.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional extra paprika or black pepper. Serve with pita, naan, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- Let chickpeas marinate for at least 10 minutes for best flavor.
- Adjust feta blend to taste — more honey for sweetness, more garlic for a kick.
- Can be made ahead and assembled before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
