Name: Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 Fresno chile or jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 12 ounces broccoli, cut into florets; 3 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or high-heat oil, divided; 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained; ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to season; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; 2 teaspoons Za’atar; 5 ounces plain-flavored vegan yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, grated or crushed; 1 medium lemon, zested + 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon ground coriander; Salt and pepper to taste; Bread or cooked grains (optional)

Why Make This Recipe

Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce is a delightful and nutritious dish. You will enjoy the smoky flavor of the charred broccoli, the hearty chickpeas infused with Middle Eastern spices, and the bright and creamy yogurt sauce. This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to make. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.

How to Make Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

1 Fresno chile or jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
12 ounces broccoli, cut into florets
3 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or high-heat oil, divided
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to season
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons Za’atar
5 ounces plain-flavored vegan yogurt
2 garlic cloves, grated or crushed
1 medium lemon, zested + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste
Bread or cooked grains (optional)

Directions

In a ramekin, mix the chile pepper, vinegar, and maple syrup; add a pinch of salt. Set it aside to macerate for 10 minutes.
Prepare the broccoli by cutting off the tough ends and slicing the florets and stems.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chickpeas and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown.
Toss the chickpeas with salt, cumin, coriander, and Za’atar. Cook for another 2 minutes, then squeeze some lemon juice over them.
In a separate skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add the broccoli, season with salt, and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. Flip the broccoli to char for another 1-2 minutes.
For the yogurt sauce, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, and salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spread yogurt sauce on plates, top with chickpeas and broccoli, add the pickled peppers, and enjoy with bread if desired.

How to Serve Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce

Serve this dish warm on a plate or a bowl. Spread a good amount of yogurt sauce on the bottom and top it with the charred broccoli and spiced chickpeas. You can also add the pickled peppers for a tangy kick. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with bread or cooked grains for a more filling meal.

How to Store Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chickpeas and broccoli will stay good for about 2-3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate until you are ready to serve to maintain its texture. When reheating, you can warm the chickpeas and broccoli gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Charred Broccoli and Za’atar Chickpeas with Yogurt Sauce

Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chickpeas or broccoli to get a nice char and flavor.
If you like more heat, use more chile peppers or try a spicier variety.
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For a non-vegan option, you can use regular yogurt instead of vegan yogurt.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chickpeas and broccoli ahead of time and just reheat them when you’re ready to serve. The yogurt sauce can also be made in advance.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bread or grains if you choose to serve it with them.