Chipotle Cashew Chickpeas with Burrata

This dish went down a storm recently, and it is beyond simple but delivers big on flavour! The combination of spicy chickpeas, crunchy cashews, and creamy burrata creates an irresistible mix of textures. You could even swap the burrata for a poached egg and enjoy it for breakfast. I love serving it with some nice bread, but it also works wonderfully as a fancy-looking side when you have guests over for dinner. It’s got all the textures you need: creaminess, crunch, and a touch of heat!

Serves: 2 as a side or starter

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for serving

• 2 garlic cloves, diced

• 2 tbsp tomato purée

• 200g chickpeas

• 2-3 tsp chipotle paste (depending on how hot the paste is) or harissa paste

• 4-5 tbsp water

• 100g cashews

• Juice of half a lemon + zest of a whole lemon

• 1 ball of burrata

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce Base: Set a large frying pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced garlic and bring to a simmer for 1 minute. Add the tomato purée and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it begins to caramelize slightly.

2. Add Chickpeas and Chipotle: Add the chickpeas, chipotle paste (or harissa), water, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 1 minute to combine the flavours.

3. Add Cashews and Season: Throw in the cashews and season well with salt and pepper. You can add a little more water if the sauce needs loosening to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Plate and Add Burrata: Plate up the chickpea and cashew mixture, then slice the burrata and place it on top. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and grate some extra lemon zest over the burrata.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with some good bread on the side or as a flavourful starter or side dish at your next dinner party.

This Chipotle Cashew Chickpeas with Burrata recipe is all about balance—spicy, creamy, crunchy, and fresh. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual brunch or a fancy dinner with friends. Enjoy and let me know how you like it!