Olive Oil Braised Roasted Garbanzo Beans

These roasted garbanzo beans are loaded with Mediterranean inspired flavors of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, feta cheese and lemon juice and they can be prepped and in the oven in 5 minutes. It's a delicious appetizer, a quick and easy lunch, or a delicious dinner paired with a green salad and a glass of red wine!

You Will Love This

• If you love Mediterranean flavors as much as I do - you are going to LOVE this roasted garbanzo beans recipe! It's got all those classic Greek inspired flavors of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Pile the garbanzo beans on top of a slice of crusty sourdough for a delicious bite every single time!
• These can be a tasty appetizer or an easy lunch! I love to serve these braised chickpeas when we're having friends over because they're a crowd pleaser, but I also love to make them on a busy weekday when I don't have much time to throw lunch together. Pair with my crispy crostini and lunch is ready!
• These roasted garbanzo beans come together in just minutes thanks to canned chickpeas. I like to keep a couple cans in the cupboard at all times so I throw these together whenever the mood strikes! If I've got leftover lemon dill yogurt sauce I like to sandwich these roasted chickpeas in pita bread with sliced cucumber, feta, and red onion too!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Olive Oil - Try to find an olive oil that is cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor for these roasted garbanzo beans.
• Balsamic Vinegar - This is our family's favorite balsamic vinegar. The best quality balsamic vinegar is aged and lists "grape must" as the main ingredient.
• Canned Chickpeas - You could also use dried chickpeas that have been soaked and cooked in this recipe but I don't usually think far enough in advance to use dried beans so I opt for regular ol' canned chickpeas.
• Garlic - Fresh garlic is really going to add a ton of flavor to this dish. I don't recommend using garlic powder for these braised chickpeas, but you certainly can if that's all you've got. The best part about using fresh garlic though is that all you have to do is smash it! No mincing or slicing required.
• Fresh Thyme - You could also use dried thyme in place of the fresh. I'd recommend using about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the fresh in this recipe.
• Feta Cheese - I prefer to use a block of feta cheese in brine for best flavor, but pre-crumbled feta will work just fine in this roasted chickpea recipe as well. Goat cheese would work well in place of the feta.
• Lemon Juice - The lemon juice adds a delicious touch of freshness and acidity to the chickpeas. I'd recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
• Crusty Sourdough Bread - I love to serve these olive oil braised chickpea with crusty sourdough or French bread. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and you've got a delicious quick and easy lunch or dinner recipe!

Instructions

In a small baking dish combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chickpeas, garlic, thyme, and a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.

Cover with foil or a tight-fitting lid and braise for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.

Crumble feta over chickpeas and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Serving Tip

For serving I like to pair these braised garbanzo beans with my crispy crunchy homemade crostini or a loaf of crusty sliced bread. The braising process helps the chickpeas become even more soft and tender inside so you can smash them into the bread and dip it into the braising oil and vinegar liquid for a delicious bite every single time. Serve alongside a green salad for a delicious meal!

Is there a difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans?

Nope - they are exactly the same thing! Some brands call them chickpeas while other refer to them as garbanzo beans. They are interchangeable so keep your eyes peeled for either when you're browsing the grocery store shelves.

How do you make canned chickpeas better?

Canned chickpeas don't have a ton of flavor on their own but they do a great job of soaking up the flavors of whatever you pair them with. In this braised chickpea recipe I use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, and herbs to transform bland chickpeas into a serious taste trip for your taste buds. Add crumbled feta cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice take these braised chickpeas to the next level!

Can you eat canned chickpeas raw?

Yes! Canned chickpeas are cooked and ready to eat straight from the can. Their convenience is what makes them one our family's favorite ways to add meatless protein to any dish! In this braised chickpeas recipe canned chickpeas mean you can have this easy lunch or simple appetizer in the oven in just a few minutes!

More Simple Chickpea Recipes

• Cheesy Chickpeas and Rice
• Whipped Feta Dip with Chickpeas
• Vegan White Chickpea Chili
• Crispy Chickpea Tacos
• Sheet Pan Chickpea Fajitas
• BBQ Chickpea Pizza

Easy Appetizer Recipes

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