This is the classic, fluffy, and velvety recipe, traditionally baked in Sifnos!
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
- 500 g chickpeas (ideally the large Sifnos variety)
- 2 large dry onions, thinly sliced
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup olive oil
- Salt, freshly ground pepper
- Water (approximately 1.5 – 2 liters)
Preparing the Chickpeas:
Soaking: The night before, soak the chickpeas in plenty of water with 1 teaspoon of salt for 12 hours. The salt helps soften the skins.
Preparation: The next day, rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Preheat the oven to 150-170°C (300-340°F).
Assembly: In a clay baking dish (ideally), layer the onions and garlic. Add the chickpeas on top, along with the bay leaves, plenty of pepper, and the olive oil. Add water until the ingredients are just covered.
Baking: Cover the dish and ideally slow-bake for hours, at least 4. The traditional method is to put the food in the evening and take it out in the morning. Practically speaking:
- Start at 150°C (300°F) for 1 hour.
- Lower the temperature to 120°C (250°F) and bake for another 6-8 hours.
- Add salt towards the end (after 4-5 hours), because adding it at the beginning hardens the chickpeas. The dish is ready when the sauce has thickened and the chickpeas melt in your mouth.
The 4 Hippocratic Variations According to Your Personality Type
1. For the Sanguine Type (Dominant Element: Air)
Characteristics: Sociable, enthusiastic, but also changeable.
- Add during baking: Zest and juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange. Citrus fruits offer cooling energy.
- Herbs: Plenty of fresh dill and mint at the end.
- Serving: Accompany with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad (which balances heat).
2. For the Choleric Type (Dominant Element: Fire)
Characteristics: Ambitious, dynamic, irritable.
- Add during baking: 2-3 fresh grated tomatoes and 1 sprig of rosemary. Tomato has a cooling nature.
- Extra vegetables: Add diced zucchini, which provide moisture and sweetness.
- Serving: Stir a spoonful of tahini into the dish at serving time. Tahini (sesame) has a cooling and mild nature. Optional extra: sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for an anti-inflammatory, cool note.
3. For the Phlegmatic Type (Dominant Element: Water)
Characteristics: Calm, affectionate.
- Add during baking: 1 whole dry onion sliced on top (it will caramelize and provide heat) and 1 pepper (preferably green or even a little spicy).
- Herbs: Plenty of black pepper, oregano, and thyme. The combination of thyme and rosemary is ideal.
- Extra vegetables: Carrots sliced into rounds, which add earthy energy and sweetness.
4. For the Melancholic Type (Dominant Element: Earth)
Characteristics: Thoughtful, analytical, perfectionist.
- Add during baking: 1 teaspoon of smoked or sweet paprika (for earthy, warming sensation) and 1 cinnamon stick (which brings moisture and warmth, good for digestion).
- Herbs: 1 sprig of rosemary and fresh parsley at the end.
- Extra ingredients: A handful of spinach shortly before the end, to wilt in the hot chickpea dish, offering moisture and iron.
- Serving: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a few drops of lemon.
— Dr. Angeliki Makri, Clinical Dietitian, MSc, PhD, Medical School NKUA
Book an appointment at NMD Praxis to find out which Hippocratic type you are, to understand what you need for your nutrition, and to learn what your specific body requires!
