I'll put garlic and smoked paprika in just about anything - and, naturally, these smoked paprika pan fried chickpeas are no exception. If you're new to cooking and want to eat healthy, canned chickpeas are a perfect starter ingredient as they're ready in under 5 minutes and are very versatile. I love to rustle up these pan fried chickpeas for salad with kimchi and feta, or antipasti, or even to compliment curry or tagine.
Step 1
If you have salad ingredients to get ready, do that first, as these pan fried chickpeas take no time at all. And get out a medium non-stick pan.
(Scroll to the bottom to see what I put in my pan fried chickpea salad. You can use virtually anything you like though!)
Step 2
Mince your garlic and drain your chickpeas.
This recipe makes just the right amount for a medium salad for two people. You can use the whole 400g tin of chickpeas though, of course, and simply add more garlic and paprika to compensate.
Step 4
Drizzle a little olive oil in your pan and turn the heat up to high - or medium high if your hob is very powerful. Then toss in your chickpeas.
Leave the chickpeas to fry undisturbed for about a minute and a half.
While they're frying, sprinkle on the chilli (if using) and smoked paprika, along with a generous pinch of sea salt.
If you don't have, or aren't a fan of, chilli powder, you can use cracked black pepper instead.
Step 5
Stir, then add in your butter and garlic.
Stir occasionally until the butter has fully melted. Then allow everything to continue frying for a further minute, stirring.
And your spicy fried chickpeas are complete! Ready to toss onto salad, serve on the side of your meat dish, or even adorn the top of your homemade hummus. Yum!
What Ingredients Do I Put in Smoked Paprika Pan Fried Chickpea Salad?
Some of my favorite pan fried chickpea salad ingredients include:
- feta (clean tasting and fatty feta cubes contrast nicely with the earthiness of the spiced chickpeas)
- halloumi (slice and shallow fry in olive oil until gold on both sides)
- kimchi (sharp and spicy - perfect for livening up chickpea salad)
- artichokes (these are a personal favourite due to their unique taste and smooth consistency)
- rocket (the lively texture and peppery flavour of rocket makes a fun bed for almost any salad)
- hummus (goes wonferfully with paprika and helps to bind everything together. Use two tablespoons per portion)
Go for a mixture of clean and sharp flavours in your pan fried chickpea salad for maximum effect!
