Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon of za'atar spice blend
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spread the chickpea mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
4. While the chickpeas are roasting, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil and za'atar spice blend. Spread them on a separate baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and crispy.
5. Once the chickpeas and sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
6. In a serving dish, layer the roasted chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of potato instead of sweet potatoes.
- If you don't have za'atar spice blend, you can make your own by combining dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
Variations:
- You can add roasted cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to the dish.
- You can serve the balila with pita bread or rice.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas well before using them.
- You can adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
- To make the dish spicier, add some red pepper flakes.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the dish in a shallow bowl or platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of yogurt or hummus.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of rice or pita bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chickpeas or sweet potatoes are not crispy enough, you can put them back in the oven for a few more minutes.
- If the dish is too dry, you can drizzle some olive oil over it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Balila is a Lebanese dish made with chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. It is typically served as a snack or appetizer.
Flavor profiles:
The dish has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the spices and garlic. The sweet potatoes add a sweet and earthy flavor, while the za'atar spice blend adds a nutty and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the dish as a snack or appetizer, or as a side dish to a main course.
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Region: Lebanese