Cycladic Lemon Feta Chickpea Sauté

Savor the taste of the Greek islands with this simple yet flavorful sauté of crispy chickpeas, tangy lemon, and creamy feta, finished with aromatic dill.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by warming the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil shimmers before adding the chickpeas, which should have been thoroughly drained and rinsed to remove any canned flavor. Sauté the chickpeas, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you notice them burning, reduce to a medium-low heat.
2. 2.
   Add the lemon zest to the skillet and continue to toss the chickpeas, allowing the zest to release its citrus oils, enhancing the chickpeas' flavor. This should only take a minute or so. Be cautious, as too much heat can cause the zest to burn, losing its vibrant aroma and taste.
3. 3.
   Once the chickpeas are aromatic and golden, pour in the lemon juice. The juice will deglaze the pan, helping to lift any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which are loaded with flavor. Stir constantly until most of the liquid evaporates, which should take about 2-3 minutes, leaving the chickpeas glossy and infused with citrus.
4. 4.
   Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta over the chickpeas. The residual heat will soften the feta slightly but maintain its structure. Gently fold the feta in, coating the chickpeas in its creamy, tangy flavor without breaking them.
5. 5.
   Finish by adding the chopped fresh dill, folding it through the mixture gently to keep the fragile fronds intact. The dill should provide a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the tangy chickpeas and creamy feta. Serve warm as a standalone dish or pair with a side of toasted pita bread.