Arab-inspired Tapas

Ingredients

While Spanish tapas are known for their use of ingredients like chorizo, olives, and cheese, Arab-inspired tapas take a different approach. This adaptation incorporates Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, and sumac, along with ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, and pomegranate. The flavors are bolder and the dishes are influenced by the culinary traditions of the Arab world. We alse have the original recipe for Tapas, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) chickpeas, cooked 1 cup (200g) chickpeas, cooked
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir well.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, and sumac over the chickpeas. Mix until well coated.
5. 5.
   Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the chickpeas cool slightly.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the tahini mixture over the chickpeas and toss gently to coat.
9. 9.
   Transfer the Arab-inspired tapas to a serving dish.
10. 10.
    Drizzle with pomegranate molasses and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chickpeas — If using canned chickpeas, make sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove excess sodium.
• Tahini — Stir the tahini well before using, as it tends to separate. If the tahini is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Pomegranate molasses — Look for pomegranate molasses in Middle Eastern grocery stores or make your own by reducing pomegranate juice with a touch of sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or za'atar over the Arab-inspired tapas before serving.
• Serve the tapas with warm pita bread or crispy Arabic flatbread for a complete Middle Eastern experience.
• Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a dash of cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
• Experiment with different toppings such as chopped fresh mint, diced tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese to add variety to your Arab-inspired tapas.
• Make a larger batch of the chickpeas and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be used as a versatile ingredient in salads, wraps, or as a topping for hummus.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-inspired tapas as a part of a mezze platter or as a standalone appetizer. Arrange them on a beautiful serving dish and garnish with additional fresh parsley for an enticing presentation. Encourage your guests to scoop up the tapas with warm pita bread or use toothpicks for easy and elegant snacking.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the Arab-inspired tapas, drizzle a little extra pomegranate molasses in an artistic pattern over the dish. Sprinkle some sumac or paprika on top for a pop of color. Serve on a rustic wooden platter or a vibrant ceramic plate to showcase the vibrant flavors of the Middle East.