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Crispy Chickpea and Zucchini Skillet

This vibrant skillet features crispy chickpeas and tender zucchini, cooked together with smoky paprika and finished with bright citrus. The dish combines textures—from crunchy to soft—and is finished with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon and lime for a refreshing twist. It’s a quick, wholesome, and customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons or rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds smoky depth
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 lime lime juice freshly squeezed
  • optional to taste feta or goat cheese for topping
  • a handful fresh herbs parsley or cilantro, chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add the drained chickpeas to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and develop crispy edges, about 5-7 minutes. You should hear a gentle sizzle and see some browning.
  3. Push the chickpeas to one side of the skillet and add the sliced zucchini to the empty space. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors from the oil and spices.
  4. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the zucchini, stirring to coat evenly and enhance the smoky aroma as the spices toast lightly.
  5. Squeeze the fresh lemon and lime juice over the cooked vegetables, stirring gently to incorporate the bright citrus flavors, which will invigorate the dish and balance the smoky notes.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
  7. If desired, crumble feta or goat cheese over the skillet for added creaminess and rich flavor.
  8. Serve the skillet hot, with an extra squeeze of citrus if needed, and enjoy the crispy, tender, and flavorful bites that make this dish so satisfying.

Notes

Feel free to customize with other vegetables or beans, and adjust the citrus and spice levels to your taste.