Nicoles Garbanzo Citrus Spread Food

CRISPY GARBANZO BEANS

Steps:

• Spread out the garbanzos on a baking sheet and let them dry, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight. (If you forget to let them dry overnight, it's okay; you'll just need to cook them longer.)
• Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook until browned and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate; reserve the fat in the pan. Eat the bacon as snack while you cook.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add the dried garbanzos to the pan with the rendered bacon fat. Season with a generous pinch of salt and add the rosemary. Cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, then remove the rosemary sprig. Transfer the garbanzos to a baking sheet and bake until crispy, 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. (If you did not dry the garbanzos overnight, bake them for 45 to 50 minutes.)
• Let cool to room temp before serving.

GARBANZOS AND GREENS WITH CHORIZO

Steps:

• Pick over chickpeas, put them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
• Drain chickpeas (they should have swelled considerably) and put them in a soup pot. Cover with 6 cups water, add the onion stuck with clove, the carrot and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat and let chickpeas simmer gently. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until chickpeas are tender. (If chickpeas seem to be drying out during cooking, add 1/2 cup water to keep them submerged in liquid.) Season generously with salt, and leave chickpeas to cool in the broth (cooking liquid). You should have about 2 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas. (They may be cooked a day in advance, if desired.)
• Put olive oil in a deep, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chorizo and let it fry a bit, then turn heat to medium. Add the garlic, pimentón and 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin, and stir to coat. Add the cooked chickpeas and 1/2 cup broth. Bring to a simmer, add the greens and sprinkle with a little salt. Stir to allow the greens to wilt. Put on the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until greens are completely cooked. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve as a tapa or side dish, transfer to a cazuela or deep serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and the pine nuts, if using. Alternatively, to serve as soup, spoon the garbanzo-and-greens mixture into 4 deep soup bowls. Ladle 1 cup heated broth into each bowl, and sprinkle soup with the remaining cumin.

SIMPLE GARBANZOS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix the garbanzo beans, onion, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the olive oil, and adjust seasonings to taste. Mix in the peas. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.