Achiote-Seared Chickpeas

Name: Achiote-Seared Chickpeas
Yield: serves 8 as a side dish or appetizer
Ingredients: 1 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons achiote paste; 3 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Kosher salt; 2 tablespooons olive oil; 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch dice; 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 3 cups cooked chickpeas; 2 tablespoons dark chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon); 3 ounces baby arugula; 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, stemmed and coarsely chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh Italian parsley, coarsely chopped; 4 ounces goat cheese; Toasted pita bread, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with cumin, for serving

December 14, 2011

Lou Lambert, another one of my chef friends who grew up on a ranch, now owns two Texas restaurants—Lamberts Downtown Barbecue in Austin, and Lambert’s steak house in Fort Worth. Lou got the idea for his seared chickpeas when he was a kid growing up on the family ranch near Odessa. “We had a camp cook who would make hominy loaded with chili powder and garlic. I adapted his dish with chickpeas. I originally put this on the menu at the first Lambert’s on South Congress, and it has been a mainstay at all the restaurants since.” I’ve been coveting this recipe ever since I first tasted it at Lou’s first restaurant. Now that I have it, I know it will become a mainstay for me, too, especially when I have some entertaining to do.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.