BreakfastSide DishSnack

Balila (Lebanese Chickpea Breakfast)

Name: Balila (Lebanese Chickpea Breakfast)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: lebanese, middle_eastern
Ingredients: 800 g canned chickpea rinsed and drained; 0.5 cup water; 4 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed; 2 clove garlic minced; 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped (optional); 2 pcs radish thinly sliced (optional)

Balila is a traditional Lebanese breakfast featuring warm, tender chickpeas dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It's a comforting and nutritious start to the day, often served with fresh herbs and vegetables.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 20 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 258 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

800 gcanned chickpea, rinsed and drained
0.5 cupwater
4 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 clovegarlic, minced
3 tbspolive oil, extra virgin
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

garnish

2 tbspparsley, fresh, chopped(optional)
2 pcsradish, thinly sliced(optional)

Equipment

saucepan · colander · whisk · small bowl · serving bowl

The method

Step by step

1
Combine the chickpeas and water in a medium saucepan.
About 1 min
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly softened.
Cook’s note: Do not overcook; the chickpeas should remain intact but tender.
3
While the chickpeas are simmering, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
About 3 min
4
Drain the warm chickpeas, reserving a couple of tablespoons of the cooking liquid if desired for extra moisture.
About 1 min
5
Transfer the warm chickpeas to a serving bowl and pour the dressing over them.
About 1 min
6
Gently toss to coat all the chickpeas evenly.
About 1 min
7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sliced radishes, if using, and serve immediately.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping.

Per serving

Nutrition

71%Score

Calories: 257.9kcal
Protein: 10.3g
Carbs: 28.1g
Fat: 11.2g
Fibre: 8.3g
Sugar: 2.5g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover balila in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or warm briefly in the microwave.