Chickpea Fritter Bowls with Tahini Dressing

My Cellar

Serves 2

½ tbsp (7 ml) olive oil

2 small zucchinis, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces

salt and pepper, to taste

1 x 19 oz (540 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup (250 ml) fresh dill fronds

1¼ cups (310 ml) chopped fresh parsley leaves, divided

½ cup (125 ml) fresh mint leaves

2 lemons, zest only, divided

1 tsp (5 ml) paprika

1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin

1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder

½ cup (125 ml) flour

¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

2 cups (500 ml) cooked pearl couscous

¾ cup (175 ml) chopped pitted Kalamata olives

½ cup (125 ml) chopped sun-dried tomatoes

2 cups (500 ml) mixed greens

¼ cup (60 ml) crumbled feta, for garnish

Tahini Dressing:

¼ cup (60 ml) tahini

½ lemon, juice only

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tsp (5 ml) honey

salt and pepper, to taste

¼ cup (60 ml) water, plus extra as needed

In a medium frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, or until just soft. Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, dill, parsley, mint, ½ the lemon zest, paprika, cumin and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper and pulse until combined. Add flour and blend until mixture holds together well, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, measure out 2 tbsp (30 ml) portions and gently press and form into little balls.
Line a plate with paper towel. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, fry chickpea balls for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside on lined plate.
In a large bowl, mix together couscous, zucchini, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and remaining lemon zest.
To assemble, divide greens and couscous mixture between 2 bowls. Top with chickpea fritters and garnish with feta and parsley. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing.
To make tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. If dressing is too thick, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) water at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Makes about ½ cup (125 ml)