Introduction
This delightful salad combines crispy roasted chickpeas and bread with tender green beans, all topped with a creamy garlic dressing. Perfect as a hearty lunch or a satisfying side dish, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread while packing in the flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
150g leftover bread
1 clove of garlic
Olive oil
160g frozen green beans
6 tablespoons natural yoghurt
2 teaspoons mustard (such as Dijon, English, or wholegrain)
Red wine vinegar
20g Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese alternative)
1 romaine lettuce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3
Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that brings together wholesome ingredients for a delightful and nutritious dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Boil the kettle and preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6. Drain the chickpeas, place them in a heatproof bowl, and cover with boiling water for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Roast Bread and Chickpeas
Tear the bread into chunks and place them in a roasting tray along with the unpeeled garlic. Drain the chickpeas and add them to the tray. Drizzle over 2 tablespoons of olive oil, toss everything together, and roast for 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the chickpeas are crispy.
Step 3: Cook Green Beans
Preheat a griddle or large frying pan over high heat. Add the frozen green beans and cook for 4 minutes, or until softened and charred.
Step 4: Prepare Dressing
Remove the croutons and chickpeas from the oven. Carefully take out the garlic and set it aside. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic out of its skin into a bowl. Stir in the yoghurt, mustard, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Grate in most of the Parmesan and season to taste, adjusting the mustard and vinegar as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
To serve, spread the dressing over a serving dish. Separate the lettuce leaves and tear them over the dressing. Scatter over the green beans, chickpeas, and croutons. Finish with an extra grating of Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croutons may lose their crispiness when stored, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to substitute the chickpeas with other legumes, and use any type of bread you have on hand. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Consider serving with additional fresh herbs for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Roasting Chickpeas and Bread
Roasting enhances the flavor and texture of chickpeas and bread, creating a crispy, golden snack. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the ingredients, producing a satisfying crunch.
Blanching
Blanching the chickpeas in boiling water softens them and prepares them for roasting. This technique helps ensure they achieve the desired crispness while roasting.
Griddle Cooking
Griddling green beans allows them to develop a charred flavor and tender texture. High heat ensures that the green beans cook quickly without becoming mushy.
Creating a Dressing
Squeezing roasted garlic and mixing it with yogurt, mustard, and vinegar creates a creamy dressing with depth of flavor. This technique balances the dish, adding moisture and tanginess.
Tearing Lettuce
Tearing romaine lettuce rather than cutting it helps maintain its structure and crunch. This technique adds a rustic touch to the presentation while ensuring the leaves remain fresh.
Cheese Grating
Grating Parmesan allows it to disperse evenly over the dish, enhancing flavor in each bite. Finishing with extra cheese adds richness and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas in this recipe?
Yes, canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before use.
What type of bread is best for this dish?
Any sturdy bread works well, such as sourdough or whole grain. Stale bread is especially good for croutons.
Can I substitute the yogurt for a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you prefer a plant-based option.
What can I use instead of green beans?
You can replace green beans with other vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
Is there a non-dairy alternative to Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use a vegetarian hard cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
This dish beautifully combines the earthy flavors of roasted chickpeas and garlic with the freshness of green beans and romaine lettuce, complemented by a creamy mustard yogurt dressing. It’s a hearty, nutritious meal that utilizes leftover ingredients, making it both delicious and resourceful. Perfect as a satisfying lunch or dinner, it invites creativity, allowing variations to suit personal preferences.
Chickpea Salad with Avocado
Mix roasted chickpeas with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing salad.
Garlic Bread Croutons
Use leftover bread to create croutons by tossing them in garlic and herb-infused olive oil, then baking until crispy.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Sauté a mix of your favorite vegetables with tofu, using the mustard yogurt dressing as a flavorful sauce.
Chickpea Curry
Simmer chickpeas with coconut milk, curry spices, and vegetables for a warming and filling curry dish.
Pasta Salad with Chickpeas
Combine cooked pasta with chickpeas, green beans, and a tangy vinaigrette for a hearty pasta salad.
Stuffed Romaine Wraps
Use romaine leaves to wrap a mixture of grilled chicken, chickpeas, and yogurt dressing for a nutritious and portable meal.
