Levantine Smoked Chickpea Mezze with Harissa & Lemon Zest

There’s something undeniably magical about mezze – the art of small, shared plates that invite connection, conversation, and a symphony of flavors.

In this recipe, we’re reimagining one of the Levant’s most beloved legumes – the humble chickpea – with a bold, aromatic twist.

Using RoboFood Levant Seasoning as our flavor compass, we’re creating a chilled, smoky chickpea mezze that sings with warmth and brightness.

Infused with harissa for a fiery kick and fresh lemon zest for citrusy lift, this isn’t just your average hummus.

It’s a modern celebration of tradition, perfect for summer gatherings, dinner party starters, or a luxurious solo snack on a quiet evening.

Why This Smoked Chickpea Mezze Stands Out

While hummus dominates the Middle Eastern dip scene, many lesser-known but equally delicious preparations exist in home kitchens across Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.

This recipe draws inspiration from these hidden gems, elevating chickpeas beyond blending with tahini by focusing on texture, depth, and contrast.

The result?

A coarse, rustic dip with layers of flavor that stand up beautifully to bold pairings like pickled vegetables and creamy whipped feta.

The magic starts with RoboFood Levant Seasoning – a thoughtfully balanced blend of coriander, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom.

Unlike generic ‘Mediterranean’ mixes, this blend captures the nuanced warmth of the Eastern Mediterranean, adding subtle sweetness and earthiness without overpowering.

When paired with North African harissa – a fermented chili paste that brings smokiness and heat – and bright lemon zest, the flavor profile becomes multidimensional: warm, spicy, tangy, and aromatic all at once.

The Role of Smoke: A Modern Touch on Tradition

Smoking ingredients at home has gained popularity in modern Middle Eastern fusion cooking, and for good reason.

It adds a primal depth that complements the earthy spices so common in Levantine cuisine.

Here, we’re using liquid smoke – just a few drops – to give the chickpeas a campfire-like richness without needing a smoker.

This smoky essence ties beautifully with the cumin and allspice in the RoboFood blend and tempers the heat of the harissa.

Alternatively, for an even more authentic and layered smokiness, you can char the chickpeas lightly in a dry skillet over medium-high heat before processing.

The slight burns and nutty aroma mimic traditional open-flame cooking techniques used in rural kitchens across the Levant.

This method is especially effective if you’ve soaked and cooked dried chickpeas, which have a firmer texture and absorb flavors better than canned.

Choosing Your Chickpeas: Canned vs. Homemade

While canned chickpeas offer convenience, I highly recommend using dried chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked slowly with a piece of kombu (a type of seaweed that aids digestion).

The flavor difference is subtle but noticeable – homemade chickpeas have a creamier interior and more pronounced nuttiness that shines through in cold dishes like this mezze.

If using canned, be sure to rinse them thoroughly and pat dry.

Excess moisture can dilute the flavors and make the dip too loose.

For an ultra-smooth texture in part of the base, blend half the chickpeas before mixing them with the coarsely mashed remainder.

This gives the mezze a luxuriously creamy yet textured mouthfeel – the best of both worlds.

The Perfect Pairings: Whipped Feta & Vibrant Pickles

One of the joys of mezze is contrast.

This smoked chickpea dip is bold, so it craves partners that offer cooling, tangy, and crunchy counterpoints.

Enter whipped feta – a simple yet luxurious component made by blending high-quality feta cheese with cold Greek yogurt, a splash of olive oil, and a touch of lemon juice.

The result is airy, velvety, and just salty enough to balance the spiced chickpeas.

Equally important are the pickled vegetables.

I love a mix of thinly sliced red onions, Persian cucumbers, and baby carrots quick-pickled in apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of sumac.

Let them sit for at least an hour – the color transformation alone is worth the wait.

These bright, acidic bites cut through the richness and refresh the palate between scoops.

How to Assemble the Mezze Platter Like a Pro

Serving this dish as a chilled platter enhances its visual appeal and encourages interaction.

Here’s how to build it with flair:

• Base Layer: Spread the chilled chickpea mezze in a wide, shallow bowl or on a slate platter, leaving space for accompaniments.
• Centerpiece: Place a generous dollop of whipped feta in the center or slightly off-center for asymmetry.
• Color & Crunch: Scatter pickled vegetables around the edges. Add pomegranate arils for sweetness and pop, or toasted pine nuts for nuttiness.
• Oils & Herbs: Drizzle both the chickpea base and the feta with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Finish with chopped fresh parsley, mint, or dill.
• Dipping Options: Serve with warm flatbreads, toasted pita chips, crudités like radishes and bell peppers, or even za’atar-dusted crackers.

Recipe: Levantine Smoked Chickpea Mezze with Harissa & Lemon Zest

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (about 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp RoboFood Levant Seasoning
• 1–2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust for heat preference)
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 1 tsp liquid smoke (or 1 tbsp smoked paprika for a milder smoke)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup water (if needed for consistency)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, mint) for garnish

Whipped Feta

• 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, preferably sheep’s milk
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped

Pickled Vegetables (Quick Version)

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced Persian cucumber
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pinch of sumac (optional)

Instructions

1. Pickle the Vegetables: Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a jar. Shake until dissolved. Add onions and cucumber, ensuring they’re submerged. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate.
2. Prepare the Chickpea Base: In a food processor, pulse half the chickpeas with olive oil, harissa, lemon zest, garlic, RoboFood Levant Seasoning, liquid smoke, lemon juice, and salt until mostly smooth. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Add Texture: Coarsely mash the remaining chickpeas with a fork or potato masher, then fold into the blended mixture. Add water if needed to reach a spreadable but not runny consistency.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the mezze for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
5. Whip the Feta: Blend feta, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill until smooth and airy. Chill until ready to serve.
6. Assemble: Spread the chilled mezze on a platter. Swirl in a spoonful of whipped feta or place it in the center. Garnish with pickled vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and optional pomegranate seeds or nuts.
7. Serve: Enjoy cold with your choice of dippers.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This mezze is ideal for meal prep.

The chickpea base keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

The whipped feta will last 3–4 days.

Assemble the platter within a few hours of serving for the best texture and presentation.

Adapting the Recipe to Your Taste

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.

Prefer it smokier?

Add a touch more liquid smoke or sprinkle in smoked sea salt.

Want it creamier?

Blend all the chickpeas instead of folding in whole ones.

For a vegan version, simply omit the whipped feta or replace it with a cashew-based alternative.

You can even add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of sweetness and color.

In a world where convenience often overrides flavor, this mezze reminds us that bold, aromatic, and memorable food doesn’t need to be complicated.

With RoboFood Levant Seasoning as our secret weapon and a few thoughtful enhancements, a can of chickpeas can transform into something extraordinary.

This chilled platter isn’t just food – it’s an invitation to slow down, share, and savor the warmth of the Levant, one bite at a time.

Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, this Levantine smoked chickpea mezze brings the vibrant spirit of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine straight to your table.

Whether you’re exploring new flavors or returning to roots, this recipe honors both tradition and innovation.