Carrot Salad with Tahini and Crisped Chickpeas
Why I Love This Recipe
FEATURING: Carrots, coriander (or carrot tops or parsley) and garlic.
This is a nice twist on a french classic (salade de carottes râpées). The roasted chickpeas really bring this recipe to the next level (add them just before serving so they stay crisp).
Ingredients You'll Need
CHICKPEAS
1 3/4 cups cooked chickpeas, or 1 15-ounce can, drained and patted dry on paper towels
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
SALAD
1 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely grated (approx. 4 large carrots or 2 2/3 cups, grated)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped coriander (or carrot tops, stem removed, or parsley)
1/4 cup shelled, salted pistachios, coarsely chopped
DRESSING
1 medium garlic clove, minced (approx. 1 tsp garlic, minced)
1/4 cup lemon juice (approx. 1 lemon)
3 tablespoons well-stirred tahini
2 tablespoons water, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
Directions
1. ROAST CHICKPEAS: Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Toss chickpeas with one tablespoon olive oil, salt and cumin until they’re all coated. Spread them on a baking sheet or pan and roast them in the oven until they’re browned and crisp. This can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and firmness of your chickpeas. Toss them every 3-5 min to make sure they’re toasting evenly. Set aside until needed.
2. MAKE DRESSING: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth, adding more water if needed to thin the dressing slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning; don’t worry if it tastes a little sharp on the lemon, it will marry perfectly with the sweet grated carrots.
3. ASSEMBLE SALAD: Place grated carrots in large bowl and toss with parsley. Mix in 2/3 of the dressing, adding more if desired. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with a large handful of chickpeas (you’ll have extra and if you’re like us, won’t regret it) and pistachios and dig in.
DO AHEAD: Salad keeps well in the fridge for two days, however, I’d add the chickpeas and pistachios right before serving, so they don’t get soft.
