Carrot Chickpea Salad

This recipe was in Food and Wine Charles Kelsey. I think this a really strong salad recipe. It is a nice change of pace. The chickpeas are good and the carrots add a sweetness to the flavors. Although you might think it changes the character of the salad a lot, I think this recipe can be made without the cilantro as well and it still works. If you do that you will need to add something to cut the acidity of the lemon juice. I added sugar to taste.

TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 packed cups cilantro leaves and stems
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 pound carrots, peeled and coarsely shredded

In a food processor, combine the lemon juice with the minced garlic and let stand for 15 minutes. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the almonds and toast over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Drain the toasted almonds on paper towels and let cool.

Transfer half of the almonds to the food processor. Add the cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and pulse until chopped. Add the olive oil and process to a chunky paste. Season with salt and pepper; transfer to a large bowl. Add the chickpeas and carrots and toss. Garnish with the remaining almonds and serve.

MAKE AHEAD
The carrot salad can be refrigerated overnight. Garnish with the toasted almonds just before serving.