Lively Lebanese Chickpea Ouzi
A flavorful and healthy Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring chickpeas, lebanese bread, and crispy vegetables.
Ingredients
- ●1 loaf lebanese breadpreferably day-old bread
- ●2 cups, chopped lively greenssuch as kale or spinach
- ●1 cup, peeled and grated crisp carrotsuse a food processor to get the right crunch
- ●1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed chickpeascanned chickpeas work well for this recipe
- ●2 tbsp ouzoptional, but adds a nice smoky flavor
- ●2 tbsp olive oilfor brushing the bread and sautéing the vegetables
- ●2 tbsp lemon juicefor added brightness and flavor
- ●1 tsp garlic powderfor added depth of flavor
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2
Cut the lebanese bread into 1-inch cubes and spread on a baking sheet.
- 3
Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- 4
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- 5
Add the chopped lively greens and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- 6
Add the grated carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- 7
Stir in the chickpeas, ouz (if using), lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- 8
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
To assemble the dish, place a layer of toasted bread on a serving platter or individual plates.
- 10
Top with a layer of the chickpea and vegetable mixture, followed by another layer of bread.
- 11
Repeat this process one more time, finishing with a layer of bread on top.
- 12
Serve warm and enjoy!