Greek Olive Pesto and Fried Zucchini Grilled Pitas w/Marinated Feta + Garbanzo Beans.
The ultimate pita sandwhiches
Servings: 4 PITAS
Calories: 899kcal
Ingredients
Marinated Feta (leave this out for a vegan version)
- 4-6 ounces block feta cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- olive oil enough to cover the cheese
Greek Olive Pesto
- 1/2 cup greek olives I used marinated kalamata and green olives
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (swap in nutritional yeast or parsley for a vegan version]
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 clove large garlic
- 1 pepperoncini optional
- 1/4 cup olive oil or more depending on the consistency you want your pesto to be
Fried Zucchini
- 2 zucchinis sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 cup large egg use 1/3 coconut milk for a vegan version
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs use gluten free if needed
- 2 tablespoons flour use gluten free cornmeal if needed
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese use nutritional yeast for a vegan version
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper
Sandwiches
- 4 pita pockets or [homemade pitas | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/traditional-greek-pita-bread/] use gluten free pita or bread if needed
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas drained + rinsed if using canned
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil oil drained
Instructions
Marinated Feta
- Add the cubed feta, thyme sprigs, basil, bay leaf, black peppercorns and crushed red pepper to an 8 ounce or larger glass jar. Pour enough olive oil over top so that the oil completely covers the feta. Screw the lid on the jar and place in the fridge for at least one hour or up to two weeks. Just crumble the feta onto whatever you wish.
Greek Olive Pesto
- In a food processor, combine olives, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic and pepperoncini and blend 1 minute. With motor running, slowly pour in olive oil until a thick, smooth paste is formed. Store in the fridge in a glass jar or bowl until ready to use.
Fried Zucchini
- When you are just about ready to put your pitas together it is time to "fry" the zucchini. In a bowl, whisk together the egg. In another bowl, whisk together the Panko, flour, parmesan, salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Dip each zucchini slice in the egg mixture to coat, then dredge through the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place in the skillet and cook until golden. This took me about 3 to 4 minutes per side. When finished, remove the slices and let drain on a paper towel.
To assemble the pitas
- Place a medium skillet over medium heat on the stove. Add a drizzle of the oil from the marinated feta or sun-dried tomatoes. Add the chickpeas and toss well. Cook until the chickpeas are warmed through.
- Pre heat the grill to medium heat.
- Break open your pita pockets and rub the inside of each pocket with a little of the greek olive pesto, Place a few zucchini slices on top of the pesto and then a handful of chickpeas. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and a little sprinkle of marinated feta. Carefully place the pockets on the grill and grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until the pockets are warm. Remove from the grill and stuff each pocket with arugula and more marinated feta. Eat!!
Nutrition
Calories: 899kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 273mg | Sodium: 1601mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1290IU | Vitamin C: 28.6mg | Calcium: 582mg | Iron: 4.6mg
