11.13.2011

Amy * Chickpea Piccata

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the Mercedes Benz of vegetarian, the little black dress of vegan, the George Clooney of chickpeas. Yes, this is the type of dish that conjures visions of luxury, leisure and long walks on the beach. It’s a charmer, for sure, and if you fall for it hard, don’t say I didn’t warn you: it’s got a way of making you feel special.

Amy

The standout flavors here are sensual and sophisticated: dry white wine, sweet nutty garlic, bright tangy lemon. But wait! Dig a little deeper and you’ll find that beneath that smooth, stylish persona, there’s another side to this dish: an earthy, accessible soul that will still be there the morning after.

Because when it comes down to it, chickpea piccata is not the type to play hard to get. You can skip the desperate search for exotic ingredients, the multiple stops at specialty stores all around town. Yes, it will see you again. Yes, on a moment’s notice. In fact, if you ask Amy, part of its appeal is just how easy it is to make and the simplicity of the ingredients involved — many of which are likely waiting patiently in your pantry to be put to use.

Heed their call, and you will not be disappointed. Begin with some garlic and shallots. Saute until golden and soft; add vegetable broth, some bread crumbs, white wine and thyme. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bundle of beans. Toss with arugula, and let it wilt into the warm chickpeas. Not only does the dish taste incredibly decadent  — the sauce rich and smooth and tart and peppery — it is also very healthy. “Not to get all hippy-dippy,” Amy says, “but I think that beans are kind of amazing. They’re just this perfect little food that comes naturally with fiber, protein and vitamins —  everything your body needs.”

Rich, sophisticated, and good for you? I think this one’s a keeper.

Three Quick Questions…and Amy’s Answers

It’s your last meal. What do you have?

Something really simple. I love Thai food, so maybe some spicy broccoli with tofu and carrots.

Your kitchen is burning down. What’s the one thing you grab?

This cutting board here. My mom bought it for me and it’s sort of my first quality piece of kitchenware that I’ll probably hang on to for a while.

Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Yes — it’s called Global Vegetarian Cooking by Troth Wells. Everything in it is really simple and easy, with dishes from all over the world and a lot of really cool photography.

Amy * Chickpea Piccata
Author: 
Recipe type: Appetizer/Side, Main
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4-6
 
How can you go wrong with garlic, lemon and white wine? This is an incredibly quick and easy dish that feels fancy and indulgent. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, grilled portobello, or on its own with a handful of arugula.
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 scant cup shallots, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp panko (or other breadcrumbs)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine
  • a few dashes of black pepper
  • generous pinch of dried thyme
  • 1 (16 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups arugula
Instructions
  1. Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pan. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes, until golden. Add in the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 more minutes until they turn a few shades darker.
  2. Add the vegetable broth, wine, salt, black pepper and thyme. Turn the heat up slightly and bring to a rolling boil. Let the sauce reduce by ½, which should take about 7 minutes.
  3. Add the chickpeas and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and turn off the heat.
  4. Serve warm with a handful of arugula.

Comments

  • Meg Pickel

    I made this tonight with grilled mushrooms and sauteed spinach, and it was fantastic! Thanks for the yummy vegetarian meal idea : )

    • Kathryn

      Meg – that sounds like a great combination, I’m going to have to give that one a try!

  • Oh.. this one looks like a ‘must try’. I love chick peas. The photos looks great too.

    Thanks Kathryn.

    • Kathryn

      Thank you, Esther. Photography is not my specialty, but I’m working on it. Keep me posted if you end up making the chickpeas- they’re so simple but so, so good!

  • Pretty flavours, and yes, so healthy! And I do rather like chickpeas.

    • Kathryn

      leaf – Chickpeas are the best! Thanks for your comment and I’m glad you stopped by!

  • Looks delicious – and fancy, which is always tough when cooking vegetarian. Can’t wait to make this!

    • Kathryn

      Cara – That’s exactly what I love about it! Simple but luxurious!

  • […] always be my favorite, but since I don’t cook meat or chicken at home anymore, when I saw this recipe for Chickpea Piccata, I knew I had to try it.  Since Scott and I love most things with chickpeas (a.ka. the good […]

  • My husband will likely divorce me over the garlic, but this recipe sounds worth it!

    • Kathryn

      Ha! It is definitely worth it, and if you serve it to your husband as well he really can’t complain! 🙂

      • He’s a confirmed omnivore… I’m pretty sure a chickpea has never passed through his lips!!!