Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

Introduction

This marinated chickpeas with whipped feta dish is a flavorful and creamy combination perfect for a light appetizer or side. The tangy whipped feta pairs wonderfully with the spiced chickpeas, creating a delicious Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

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 separate small bowl, whisk together the 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 you prepare the whipped feta.
4. Step 4: In a food processor, add the feta cheese, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and honey.
5. Step 5: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Taste the whipped feta and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey or lemon zest to suit your preference.
7. Step 7: Spread a generous layer of the whipped feta on a serving platter or individual plates.
8. Step 8: Spoon the marinated chickpeas evenly on top of the whipped feta layer.
9. Step 9: Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
10. Step 10: Optionally, drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika or black pepper over the dish for extra flavor. Serve with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky depth, try adding a pinch of cumin to the marinade.
• If you prefer a vegan version, substitute feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
• Marinate the chickpeas for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.
• Add chopped roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the whipped feta for extra color and taste.

Storage

Store any leftover marinated chickpeas and whipped feta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, let the whipped feta come to room temperature and give the chickpeas a quick stir. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas without rinsing?

It’s best to rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess salt and any canning liquid, which helps improve the flavor and texture of the dish.

How long should I marinate the chickpeas?

Ideally, marinate the chickpeas for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. You can also marinate them overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense taste.

Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 107 reviews

This delightful Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta dish combines tender chickpeas marinated in aromatic spices with a creamy, tangy whipped feta blend. Perfect as an appetizer or side, it offers a harmonious balance of smoky, herbal, and slightly sweet flavors. Serve it with pita, naan, or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing Mediterranean-inspired treat.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 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, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, ensuring they are ready for marinating.
2. Whisk Marinade: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
3. Marinate Chickpeas: Pour the olive oil mixture over the chickpeas and toss them thoroughly to coat evenly. Allow the chickpeas to marinate while you prepare the whipped feta, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Prepare Whipped Feta: Place the feta cheese block, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, and honey into a food processor.
5. Blend Whipped Feta: Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, gradually add water until the desired smoothness is reached.
6. Season Whipped Feta: Taste the whipped feta and adjust the seasoning as preferred by adding more honey or lemon zest to balance flavor.
7. Assemble 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 on top of the whipped feta layer.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes over the chickpeas to add color and a touch of heat.
10. Optional Drizzle: Drizzle extra olive oil on top and optionally sprinkle additional smoked paprika or black pepper for enhanced flavor.
11. Serve: Serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or side dish, accompanied by pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• For best flavor, allow chickpeas to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours.
• If you prefer a vegan version, replace feta and cream cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt.
• The whipped feta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Adjust the honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.

Keywords: marinated chickpeas, whipped feta, Mediterranean appetizer, easy vegetarian recipe, Greek yogurt dip