Oven Chickpeas

Makes 6 main course servings. 

This slow cooking process brings out the rich flavor of the all the ingredients as they are absorbed. I like to serve this dish on a bed of dressed baby greens with cubed feta.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 pound dried chickpeas

  • 8 medium shallots, peeled, halved

  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled,

  • 4 bay leaves

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/3 cup lemon juice, approx

  • 8 ounces feta, cubed

PREPARATION:

  1. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl. Cover with cold water and leave overnight to soak.   

  2. Preheat the oven to 350F. 

  3. Place the drained soaked beans in a medium saucepan and add cold water to cover the beans by 1 inch.

  4. Add the shallots, garlic, bay leaf, oil, salt and pepper.

  5. Bake for about 3 hours covered; the chickpeas should be soft.  Discard the bay leaves, add the lemon juice and season to taste with lemon juice, salt and pepper.