Balila (Lebanese Warm Chickpea Salad)

Balila is a warm Lebanese chickpea salad seasoned simply with cumin, lemon, and olive oil, sold from street carts across Beirut as an easy, protein-packed snack. It comes together in minutes starting from canned chickpeas.

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (liquid reserved)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of ground Aleppo pepper or paprika

Instructions

1. Warm the chickpeas
   Place the chickpeas in a saucepan with a splash of their reserved liquid (or water) and warm gently over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
2. Season
   Stir in the garlic, cumin, and salt while the chickpeas are still warm so they absorb the flavor.
3. Dress
   Drain any excess liquid, then transfer to a serving bowl and toss with the lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Finish
   Sprinkle with parsley, extra cumin, and Aleppo pepper.
5. Serve warm
   Serve immediately with warm pita on the side.

Balila is best eaten warm, right after dressing, while the chickpeas are still soft and fragrant.