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Savory Gluten-Free Chickpea Shawarma Recipe with Cream Cheese Centers Made Easy

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A quick and easy gluten-free chickpea shawarma with a creamy cream cheese center, packed with warm spices and perfect for snacks or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, cold-pressed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free cream cheese if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, fresh lemon wedges, pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add olive oil to the chickpeas, then sprinkle the spice mix over them. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons (30 g) of the spiced chickpeas and press into small rounds or patties about 2 inches (5 cm) wide on the baking sheet.
  6. Mix softened cream cheese, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Bake chickpea rounds for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Remove baking sheet, make a shallow indentation in each chickpea round, and fill with cream cheese mixture.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes to warm the cream cheese.
  10. Let cool for a couple of minutes, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry chickpeas thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Flip chickpea rounds halfway through baking for even browning. For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely. Cream cheese centers can be swapped with dairy-free alternatives for vegan option. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; freeze unfilled rounds up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free, chickpea shawarma, cream cheese centers, savory snack, easy recipe, plant-based, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-gluten-free-chickpea-shawarma-recipe-with-cream-cheese-centers-made-easy/