ISRAELI-SPICED TOMATOES, YOGURT SAUCE AND CHICKPEAS
Serves: 6
■ 1 tsp (5 mL) ground sumac*
■ 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) ground coriander
■ 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) ground cumin
■ 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) dried chili flakes
■ Kosher or coarse salt
■ 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
■ 6 small or 3 big ripe tomatoes, cored, thickly sliced
■ 3/4 cup (180 mL) plain yogurt (not Greek)
■ 1 small cucumber, peeled, chopped
■ 2 cups (500 mL) lightly packed basil, mint and flat-leaf parsley, chopped, halved or whole Freshly ground pepper
■ Hot sauce, such as sriracha
■ 1 cup (250 mL) cooked chickpeas, or 1/2 can (540 mL size), drained, rinsed
■ 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
■ 2 tbsp (30 mL) red wine vinegar
■ Extra-virgin olive oil
■ Flatbreads
*Substitute: grated lemon zest seasoned with salt and pepper
1. In a small bowl, mix sumac, coriander, cumin, chili flakes, 1 tsp (5 mL) salt and garlic. Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle the seasoning mixture. Let stand for up to one hour.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, cucumber and some of the herbs. Season generously with salt, pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce. Let mixture stand for at least 15 minutes and up to one hour. Taste to make sure sauce has plenty of flavour.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chickpeas, onion, vinegar and the remaining herbs. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. Add a shot of oil and toss again.
4. Arrange a layer of the tomato slices on a platter and pour any accumulated juices over the tomatoes. Add dollops of the yogurt mixture and top with the chickpea mixture.
5. Serve with freshly grilled flatbreads.