Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Warm Chickpea Salad with Shallots and Red Wine Dressing?
It is a nutritious one-dish meal featuring tender chickpeas, earthy shallots, and grated carrots tossed in a luxurious red wine vinaigrette.
Who inspired this chickpea salad recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the masterful culinary approach of Peter Berley.
How long should the shallots marinate in the dressing?
The shallots, vinegar, garlic, and salt should sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mellow.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How do you prepare the canned chickpeas?
The chickpeas should be drained and then blanched in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes to refresh them.
Why should I blanch the canned chickpeas?
Blanching helps to refresh the chickpeas and enhance their natural flavor for the warm salad.
How much water is needed to blanch the chickpeas?
You should bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and then coarsely grated before being added to the salad.
Is this chickpea salad served hot or cold?
This salad is intended to be served warm for the best flavor profile.
What can I serve with this salad to make it a complete meal?
It is recommended to serve the salad with a loaf of crusty bread, sweet butter, and a leafy tossed salad.
What kind of oil is used in the red wine dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many cans of chickpeas are required?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of chickpeas.
What type of parsley is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of chopped flat leaf parsley.
How many shallots are needed?
You should use 1 large or 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe and is tagged as such.
How much garlic is included in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 clove of minced garlic.
What type of salt should be used?
Coarse sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
When should the carrots and parsley be added?
Add the grated carrots and chopped parsley to the shallot mixture before incorporating the warm chickpeas.
How do you season the salad at the end?
Season the salad with fresh ground black pepper and additional salt to taste.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, it is considered a quick meal.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned chickpeas for speed, you can use cooked dried chickpeas as a substitute.
What is the role of the shallots in this dish?
Shallots provide an earthy flavor that complements the richness of the red wine vinaigrette.
How do you ensure the chickpeas are evenly coated?
Incorporate the warm chickpeas into the salad bowl and toss gently to ensure they are fully coated in the dressing.
What is the primary vegetable addition to the chickpeas?
Coarsely grated carrots are the primary vegetable added for color and texture.
Can this salad be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
What makes the vinaigrette 'luxurious'?
The blend of extra virgin olive oil, mellowed shallots, and red wine vinegar creates a rich, luxurious texture.
How long does the entire blanching process take?
It takes about 1 to 2 minutes of boiling once the water is ready.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chickpeas, salad, warm salad, vegetarian, healthy, and one dish meal.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced before being mixed with the vinegar and shallots.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to season with pepper and salt and serve it warm with bread.