Marinated Chickpeas with Whipped Feta

• servings: 12 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

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

Directions

Marinated Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and black pepper. 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 flavors to meld together.

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

Season Whipped Feta: Taste the whipped feta and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more honey or lemon zest if desired.

Assembly and Serving: Take a serving platter or individual plates, and spread a generous layer of the whipped feta on the bottom. Spoon the marinated chickpeas on top of the whipped feta. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional smoked paprika or black pepper for extra flavor.

Serve the marinated chickpeas with whipped feta as a delicious appetizer or side dish. It can be enjoyed with pita bread, crackers, naan, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Nutrition

• Calories: 186 kcal
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 4 mg
• Sodium: 303 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
• Dietary Fiber: 6 g
• Total Sugars: 7 g
• Protein: 11 g