Squid with Chickpeas

Squid with Chickpeas, Red Pepper, Lemon, and Herbs
A light, flavourful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender grilled squid paired with hearty chickpeas, roasted red pepper, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs. This dish offers a perfect balance of smokiness, earthiness, and brightness—ideal for a starter or light meal.
Ingredients (Serves 2 - Starter Portion)
For the Squid:
2 medium squid, cleaned and cut into rings or left whole (depending on preference)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cumin powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp sea salt
For the Chickpeas and Vegetables:
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1 red bell pepper, roasted and cut into strips (or grilled)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Squid:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Add the squid to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chickpeas and Vegetables:
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the roasted red pepper strips and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
Add the chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy.
Remove from heat and toss in the fresh parsley, cilantro (optional), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Grill the Squid:
Heat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat.
Grill the squid for 1-2 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become rubbery if grilled too long.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the chickpea and vegetable mixture onto a plate.
Top with the grilled squid rings or whole squid.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugars: 6g
Fats: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 8g
Sodium: 550mg
Dietary Information
✅ Dairy-Free
✅ Gluten-Free
✅ Nut-Free
✅ Pescatarian
Allergen Information (14 Major Allergens)
⚠️ Shellfish (Squid) – Present
🚫 No Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Fish, Peanuts, Nuts, Soy, Celery, Mustard, Sesame, Lupin, Sulphites, Molluscs
This Squid with Chickpeas, Red Pepper, Lemon, and Herbs is a vibrant, fresh dish that showcases the smoky char of squid paired with earthy chickpeas and bright citrus flavours. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavours for a refined starter or a light, healthy meal! 🦑🍋