Zesty Chickpea Salad with Ginger and Bell Peppers
This vibrant and refreshing chickpea salad combines the delightful crunch of fresh bell peppers with the warmth of grated ginger and the earthy flavor of cumin. Adapted from Mark Bittman's beloved cookbook 'The Best Recipes in the World,' this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a light lunch or as a hearty snack, it bursts with flavor from the tangy lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from the sugar, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Top it off with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finishing touch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chickpeas
3 cups (cooked and drained)
red bell pepper
1 (diced)
yellow bell pepper
1 (diced)
red onion
1 small (diced)
fresh ginger
1 inch (peeled and grated)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon (ground)
sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cilantro leaf
for garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and diced red onion.
2
Add the freshly grated ginger to the bowl, distributing it well among the vegetables.
3
Sprinkle the ground cumin and sugar over the mixture, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the chickpeas and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and dressing.
5
Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
6
If desired, garnish the salad with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature for an enjoyable refreshing meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chickpea Salad with Ginger and Bell Peppers?
It is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining chickpeas, bell peppers, fresh ginger, and cumin, inspired by Mark Bittman's cookbook.
How many chickpeas do I need for this recipe?
You will need 3 cups of cooked and drained chickpeas.
What types of bell peppers are used?
The recipe calls for one red bell pepper and one yellow bell pepper, both diced.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe and also fits a vegan diet.
Is the Zesty Chickpea Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including chickpeas and fresh vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prepare the ginger for this salad?
You should peel and grate approximately one inch of fresh ginger.
What spice provides the earthy flavor in this dish?
One tablespoon of ground cumin is used to provide an earthy flavor.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the salad?
A tablespoon of sugar is added to provide a hint of sweetness that balances the tangy lemon juice.
Can I use red onion in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one small red onion, diced.
How should the salad be served?
You can serve the salad either chilled or at room temperature.
What garnish is recommended for this chickpea salad?
Fresh cilantro leaves are recommended as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including seasonings and garnish.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy salad recipe involving simple mixing and tossing of ingredients.
What is the primary source of protein in this salad?
The primary source of protein is the 3 cups of chickpeas.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the salad with salt and pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
What cookbook inspired this recipe?
This dish is adapted from Mark Bittman's 'The Best Recipes in the World'.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is to combine the chickpeas, diced bell peppers, and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
Should the bell peppers be cooked?
No, the bell peppers should be used fresh and diced to provide a delightful crunch.
How do I ensure the dressing is evenly distributed?
Gently toss all ingredients together until the chickpeas and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and lemon juice.
Can this be eaten as a snack?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a light lunch or a hearty snack.
What kind of flavor profile does this salad have?
It features Indian flavors, combining zesty lemon, warm ginger, and aromatic cumin.
Is fresh ginger better than ground ginger for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh grated ginger to provide warmth and vibrant flavor.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
Yes, the ginger should be peeled before it is grated.
What type of onion works best?
The recipe specifies a small red onion for its color and sharp flavor.
Is the cilantro required?
The cilantro is optional but highly recommended as a garnish for its aromatic finishing touch.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, as long as they are drained and rinsed, canned chickpeas work well.
Does the recipe include any oil?
No, this specific version of the recipe uses lemon juice as the primary liquid for the dressing without oil.
What size should the bell peppers be cut into?
The bell peppers should be diced into small, uniform pieces.
How long does it take to prepare?
While not specified exactly, it is an 'easy' recipe that only involves dicing and mixing, usually taking about 15 minutes.