Crispy chickpea pitas with tzatziki
Crispy chickpea pitas pair crunchy spiced chickpeas with cool, garlicky tzatziki and fresh vegetables in warm pita bread. Feta adds a salty finish. It is a vegetarian meal that feels satisfying, comes together in 20 minutes and costs very little.
- 20 minTotal time
- 2Servings
- 600kcal / serving
- 22 gProtein
The science: why this works
Dry chickpeas get crunchy
Water on the surface turns to steam in the hot oil, which stops the chickpeas from browning and makes them soft. Patting them very dry lets the surface crisp and brown. Shake the pan so they color evenly.
Learn: Sear with a dry, hot pan →Squeezing the cucumber
Cucumber is mostly water. Grating and squeezing it out stops the tzatziki from turning thin and watery. You keep the fresh flavor and a thick, creamy texture that pairs well with the crunchy chickpeas and warm pita.
Learn: Crunch against creamy →Spices stick to hot oil
Tossing the cumin and paprika with the chickpeas right out of the pan lets the residual oil carry the flavor and make the spices cling. Heat wakes up the aromas and the oil spreads them over every chickpea.
Learn: Bloom spices in hot oil →Crispy chickpea pitas with tzatziki
20 minutes · 2 servings · Greek · Sandwich
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
Method
Tips for the best result
- Dry the chickpeas for a full minute with a clean towel.
- Fry them in a single layer, or they will steam.
- Salt the chickpeas after cooking so they stay crisp.
Swaps
- Swap the feta for crumbled goat cheese for a creamier, tangier bite.
- Swap the yogurt for a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free tzatziki.
- Swap the cumin and paprika for za'atar for a herby, lemony crunch.
Storing and reheating
Keep tzatziki in the fridge for up to 3 days. Crispy chickpeas are best the day they are made but can sit in an open container overnight. Reheat them in a hot pan to crisp them again.
Crispy chickpea pitas with tzatziki: questions
Why are my chickpeas not crispy?
They are usually too wet or the pan is crowded. Dry them thoroughly and fry in one layer. Give them 8 to 10 minutes.
What is tzatziki made of?
Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic and lemon. Squeezing the cucumber keeps it thick. It is served as a dip or sauce.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas work well. Drain, rinse and dry them very well. They are already cooked, so you are only crisping them.
