Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Line a sheet pan with a layer of paper towels. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Spread onto the paper towels. Using a second layer of paper towels, gently pat or roll the chickpeas to thoroughly dry; discard the paper towels and any loose chickpea skins. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 4 to 5 minutes, or until completely dry. Leaving the oven on, remove from the oven.

Top the dried chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Carefully stir to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast, carefully stirring halfway through, 19 to 21 minutes, or until browned and crispy (be careful, as the chickpeas may pop as they roast). Remove from the oven.

While the chickpeas roast, add the freekeh to the pot of boiling water and cook, uncovered, 24 to 26 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.

Meanwhile, wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the carrots; halve lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Roughly chop the parsley leaves and stems. Roughly chop the almonds. Zest the lemon to get 2 teaspoons (or use the small side of a box grater). Quarter and deseed the lemon. Peel the shallot; finely chop to get 2 tablespoons (you may have extra). Place in a bowl; add the lemon zest, the juice of 2 lemon wedges, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Stir to thoroughly combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced carrots; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the currants and ¼ cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the carrots are softened and the water has cooked off. Add the harissa paste. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the carrots are coated. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

To the pot of cooked freekeh, add the lemon-shallot dressing, glazed carrots, and roasted chickpeas. Stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished freekeh topped with the tzatziki, cheese (crumbling before adding), chopped parsley, and chopped almonds. Serve the remaining lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!