Try this chickpea recipe!
🇪🇸 Spanish cuisine is seriously amazing!!!
Today, I'm sharing a traditional Spanish dish: chickpea hummus with smoked paprika sauce, a dish native to northern Spain. It's a simple, healthy Mediterranean dish. Rich in protein, it's delicious when dipped in bread to soak up the sauce. 🤤
🌶️INGREDIENTS
(Serves 3)
400g canned cooked chickpeas (you can also cook your own)
2 red bell peppers
2 tomatoes
1/2 onion
1 carrot
5 cloves garlic
2 fresh parsley
Olive oil to taste
Salt to taste
1.5 tablespoons smoked paprika
A pinch of black pepper
300ml drinking water (or to taste)
🥢STEPS
1. Halve the red bell pepper. Heat a pan, add the bell pepper, and toast until golden brown on both sides. Cut into sections and set aside. -
2. While roasting the red pepper, mince the other ingredients; rinse the chickpeas to remove any slime.
-
3. Pour olive oil into a pan and sauté the onion until golden brown. Add the carrots and garlic and sauté until golden brown. Add the tomatoes and sauté until melted, seasoning with salt.
-
3. Add the roasted red pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper and stir-fry until combined.
-
4. Place the sautéed ingredients in a large bowl, add water, and blend until a paste forms.
-
5. Return the paste to the pan, add the chickpeas, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
-
This chickpea hummus with smoked paprika sauce is a wonderful example of Spanish Northern cuisine that combines simplicity and rich flavors. Chickpeas are a nutritious legume, packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making this dish not only delicious but also a healthy choice for vegetarians and anyone seeking a Mediterranean diet option. Preparing this dish involves roasting the red bell peppers which adds a smoky depth, complementing the warmth of the smoked paprika. When selecting paprika, try to use the Spanish smoked variety called "pimentón de la Vera" which imparts authentic flavor and aroma. Beyond its taste, chickpeas are known to support digestive health due to their high fiber content and can help sustain energy levels. The combination with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and onions enriches the dish with antioxidants and vitamins. To enhance the dish even further, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots or cucumbers. This versatility makes it ideal for entertaining or a healthy snack at home. For those interested in Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe is a fantastic gateway to exploring other Spanish dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients, robust spices, and simple cooking techniques. It also fits perfectly into a plant-based diet or as part of a balanced meal plan. Finally, the addition of fresh parsley adds a refreshing, herbaceous finish that balances the smokiness and richness of the hummus. Olive oil, commonly used in Mediterranean cooking, is heart-healthy and enhances flavor and texture. Incorporating such Mediterranean principles into your daily meals can contribute positively to overall wellness and culinary enjoyment.
