Libyan Marinated Chickpeas Recipes

SHORBA LIBIYA - LIBYAN LAMB & CHICKPEA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large casserole or stock pot. Gently fry the onion for a few minutes, until pale golden & soft.
• Add the lamb, chickpeas, tomato puree, spices & salt, cooking for a few more minutes & stirring well.
• Add the water to the pot, this should cover the mixture - add 1/4 litre more if required. (If adding extra water, remember that you'll need to add a little extra spice & salt to compensate).
• Cover & simmer over a medium heat for approx 45-50 minutes or until the lamb is tender & the soup flavourful. You may add a little extra water again at this point but remember to adjust the seasoning if you do.
• Add the dried mint & the lemon, return to the heat for a further 3-4 minutes then serve.
• Serve each bowl of shorba with a sprig of fresh mint & a lemon wedge on the side.

MARINATED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow chickpeas to marinate in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or up to 1 week. Flavor will improve with time.

MARINATED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• If using dried chickpeas, soak the chickpeas in water overnight and drain.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the yellow onion, celery stalk, and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables begin to color. Tie 2 sprigs of rosemary and the thyme sprigs in cheesecloth and add to the vegetables. Add the chickpeas (soaked dried or canned) and enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 1 1/2 hours, until the chickpeas are soft. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside to cool completely. Drain, discarding vegetables and herbs.
• In a bowl, combine the red onion and vinegar, and set aside for 15 minutes. Drain the onion and transfer to a large bowl. Add the diced celery, garlic, peperoncini, chickpeas, remaining 2 sprigs rosemary, oregano, parsley, remaining 1 cup oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, making sure to turn the mixture a couple of times while marinating. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving. Keeps well if refrigerated up to 3 to 4 days.

LIBYAN MARINATED CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Soak the chickpeas overnight in cold water. Add the bay leaf and 2 teaspoons of salt, cover and cook over a medium flame until the chickpeas are tender (about 1 1/2 hours), adding more water if necessary. Drain well.
• In a small mixing bowl put the egg yolks and into this, beat the oil and vinegar with a wire whisk. Stir in the onion, garlic, 2 tablespoons of the parsley, capers and chickpeas. Refrigerate overnight.
• Allow to come to room temperature before serving and just before serving sprinkle over with the remaining parsley.