Mains
Good Appetite (Chickpea Stew)
Καλή Όρεξη
Growing up on a farm in Cyprus, Yiayia's life was tough, and meat was a luxury usually only purchased on Sundays. While lamb chops or souvlaki on the spit were family favourites, they were a once-a-week speciality. To keep everyone fed and happy, her mother often cooked a vegetarian dish called "good appetite" , in Greek pronounced 'ka-lee-or-rex-ee' . This meal is simple, hearty, and most importantly, filling. Despite its simplicity, it packs a surprising depth of flavour, guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your stomach.
Main
Ingredients
- Καλή 'Ορεξη
- 500g dried chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large brown onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
Method
- Pour the dried chickpeas into a large bowl and cover with water. Cover the bowl and leave the chickpeas to soak overnight
- Once the chickpeas have soaked overnight, drain them and then spread them out on a tea towel. Roll over them with a rolling pin softly, until lightly crushed and their skins are partially peeling off
- Put the chickpeas in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes until soft and tender
- Drain the water and keep about 3 cups of the cooked chickpeas aside for this recipe
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until golden brown
- Add tomato paste and coko until fragrant
- Add the chickpeas in and add enough of the water to make the stew the consistency of your liking. Boil for at least 1 hour, checking and stirring the stew every 20-30 minutes. Take it off the heat once its achieved your desired texture
- Add salt and vinegar to taste
- Serve with bread and Greek salad