Fried Chickpeas With Chorizo and Spinach

Patrick found this recipe in in the New York Times. The Chorizo gives it a nice kick along with a hint of color. Trader Joe's carries Soy Chorizo which is ground not firm but works perfectly. You could actually have this for dinner with a big chunk of bread. The meal is loaded with protein and all sorts of good nutrients.

Fried Chickpeas With Chorizo and Spinach

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Salt and black pepper

2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, as dry as possible

4 ounces soy chorizo (I used Trader Joe's soy chorizo which is in a casing but crumbled)

1/2 pound spinach, roughly chopped

1/4 cup sherry

1 to 2 cups bread crumbs.

1. Heat the broiler.

2. Put three tablespoons of the oil in a skillet large enough to hold chickpeas in one layer over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add chickpeas and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until chickpeas begin to brown, about 10 minutes, then add chorizo. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes or until chickpeas are crisp; use a slotted spoon to remove chickpeas and chorizo from pan and set aside.

4. Add the remainder of the 1/4 cup of oil to the pan; when it’s hot, add spinach and sherry, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook spinach over medium-low heat until very soft and the liquid has evaporated. Add chickpeas and chorizo back to the pan and toss quickly to combine; top with bread crumbs, drizzle with a bit more oil and run pan under the broiler to lightly brown the top. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Yield: 4 servings.