Zesty Lemon Garlic Chickpea Stir

A quick and flavorful chickpea stir with a zesty lemon and garlic infusion, perfect for a nutritious, dairy-free meal.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 15 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a non-stick skillet. Ensure the oil is distributed evenly to prevent the chickpeas from sticking. If you find the oil smoking, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Your goal is to infuse the oil with the garlic flavor without letting it turn golden or burned. Adjust the heat as necessary.
3. 3.
   Toss in the chickpeas and stir well to coat them with the garlic-infused oil. Cook the chickpeas while stirring occasionally until they start to turn golden and slightly crispy. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the smoked paprika over the chickpeas and stir to combine. Let the seasoning permeate the chickpeas for an enhanced smoky flavor. If you notice any chickpeas sticking to the pan, gently scrape them with a wooden spoon.
5. 5.
   Finally, add the lemon zest, stirring thoroughly to distribute the fresh, zesty aroma. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will release the oils in the lemon zest, giving the chickpeas a vibrant and tangy finish. Serve immediately as a warm, savory dish.