3 Delicious Recipes with Black Olives, Tomatoes, and Channa

The combination of black olives, tomatoes, and channa (chickpeas) can lead to creating some wonderfully tasty and nutritious dishes. These ingredients are not only flavorsome on their own but together, they bring a delightful Mediterranean flair to your dining table. Let's dive into three delicious recipes that make the most of these flavorful ingredients, perfect for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

Recipe 1: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This salad is vibrant, colorful, and bursting with flavors, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas (channa), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for non-vegan)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
2. Add Feta: If using, gently toss in the feta cheese. This step adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor, but for a vegan version, you can skip it or use a vegan cheese alternative.
3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad.
4. Mix Well: Toss everything until the salad is well coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed.

🌟 Note: This salad is very versatile. Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or capers for additional zest and crunch.

Recipe 2: Chickpea, Olive, and Tomato Stew

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of stew, especially when it's packed with nutritious ingredients like black olives, tomatoes, and chickpeas.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 cup of tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano (optional)
• Vegetable stock or water as needed

Instructions:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Add Spices: Stir in paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
3. Incorporate Chickpeas and Olives: Add the drained chickpeas and olives, mix well.
4. Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the tomato passata and enough stock to achieve your desired stew consistency. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cook: Allow to cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust flavors with more spices or herbs if needed.
6. Serve: Serve hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe 3: Black Olive and Tomato Channa Hummus

Transform traditional hummus into something more exciting with the addition of black olives and tomatoes, giving it a unique twist that's perfect for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained but reserve the liquid (aquafaba)
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed for flavor)
• 3 tbsp tahini
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Paprika or cayenne for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, olives, tomatoes, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and some of the chickpea liquid until smooth. Gradually add more liquid if needed for the desired consistency.
2. Adjust Texture: Drizzle in olive oil while blending to make it creamier. Add salt to taste.
3. Garnish: Spoon into a serving bowl, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika or cayenne for color and a hint of heat.

📌 Note: Serve this hummus with warm pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a sandwich spread for an extra flavor punch.

These recipes showcase the versatility of black olives, tomatoes, and chickpeas, providing a spectrum of tastes from savory to spicy, and even incorporating them into dips for an easy appetizer or snack. With these ingredients in your pantry, you can effortlessly whip up dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making your meals both a treat for your taste buds and a feast for the eyes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned or sun-dried in these recipes?

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Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you might need to cook them down a bit longer to achieve the same depth of flavor as canned or sun-dried tomatoes.

Are these recipes vegan-friendly?

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Yes, with the exclusion of feta cheese in the salad recipe, all these recipes can easily be made vegan by choosing plant-based alternatives.

Can I substitute black olives with green olives?

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While black olives have a unique flavor, you can use green olives for a different taste profile, which will still be delicious.