Garlic Lemon Chickpea Stir-Up

A zesty and flavorful dairy-free dish featuring crispy chickpeas sautéed with garlic and lemon, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about a minute, but ensure it doesn't smoke, as high-quality olive oil can lose its flavor if overheated.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. You want the garlic to become fragrant and just start to turn golden. Watch it closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can make the dish bitter.
3. 3.
   Once the garlic is ready, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Stir them to coat evenly with the garlic-infused oil. This will not only heat the chickpeas but also allow them to absorb the aromatic flavors. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally stirring, until they're lightly browned and slightly crispy.
4. 4.
   Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle the paprika over the chickpeas. Stir well to combine. The lemon juice will deglaze the pan, lifting any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, creating a light sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the chickpeas are well-coated.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the mixture seems too tangy, a pinch of sugar can balance it out. If you prefer more spice, increase the paprika or add a dash of cayenne.