Braised Chickpeas and FETA

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup finely diced yellow or red onion

• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup capers, drained

• Season liberally with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary or sage

• 1 teaspoon chile flakes

• 1/4 cup cured black olives or Castelvetrano, pitted and torn 

• 1/2 lemon, sliced into thin wheels

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta 

• Smoky paprika, for serving

• Crusty bread, for serving

Preparation:

1. Heat the oven to 375° F.

2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a splash of the olive oil. When it's hot, add the onions and sauté until softening and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and scrape into a baking dish: Use an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 if you want softer chickpeas and a 9 x 13 if you'd prefer some get a tad bit crispy on the bottom.

3. Add the remaining olive oil, chickpeas, capers, salt, pepper, thyme, chile flakes, olives, and lemon slices to the dish, then stir to combine. Cover tightly with foil and bake 35 to 45 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and the chickpeas are soft.

4. Remove the foil, add the crumbled feta and paprika, and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving with (or on top of) bread.

Many thanks to Erin for sharing this recipe! 

Urban Cowgill
December 2023