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Crispy Lemon Feta 99.png

Crispy Lemon Feta


  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

🧀 A bright Mediterranean bowl featuring crispy lemon‑zested feta, spiced chickpeas, and herb‑infused basil orzo for a satisfying vegetarian feast.
🍋 Ready in just 30 minutes, it delivers bold flavor, protein, and wholesome grains with minimal effort.


Ingredients

– 1 cup Orzo (≈ 180 g)

– 1 tablespoon Butter

– ¼ cup Fresh basil (chopped, ≈ 10 g), plus extra for garnish

– 8 oz Feta cheese (≈ 225 g), sliced ¼-inch thick and patted dry

– 3 tablespoons Cornstarch

– 2 tablespoons + ¼ cup Olive oil (≈ 60 ml)

– 2 × (plus to taste)

– Black pepper to taste


Instructions

1-Start by cooking the orzo according to the package instructions, then drain and mix it with butter and chopped fresh basil for a flavorful base.

2-Next, crisp the feta by placing the cornstarch in a shallow dish and rolling the feta slices until they’re fully coated. Cook them in a skillet with some olive oil for about 1 minute per side until they’re golden and crisp on the outside, then transfer to a plate.

3-For the chickpea-zucchini mix, use the same skillet to add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the canned chickpeas, sliced garlic, paprika, red-pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for around 5 minutes until the chickpeas crisp up, then stir in sliced zucchini, thyme, lemon zest, and sesame seeds. Cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchini gets lightly browned.

4-Make a simple yogurt dressing by combining Greek-style yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. To assemble, spread the yogurt dressing in a shallow serving bowl, top with the butter-basil orzo, crispy feta slices, and the chickpea-zucchini mixture. Finish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor, and serve warm as a hearty vegetarian meal.

Notes

🍋 Pat the feta dry thoroughly before coating to ensure a crisp crust.
🧂 Toss the chickpeas with a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor.
🌿 Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan‑Fry & Boil
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250 g)
  • Calories: 813 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 3500 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 19 g
  • Protein: 58 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Crispy Feta, Lemon Chickpea Orzo, Mediterranean Orzo, Basil Orzo