Greek Goddess Celebratory Nachos

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pita nachos

These aren’t just any nachos – these are celebratory nachos! These are ‘I just got nominated for a Best Food Blog Award’ by Saveur Magazine and am gonna treat myself to nachos and ice cream for dinner. I still remember the first time I voted for Saveurs BFBA three years ago and felt like I had such a strong opinion on who should win every category because I knew one blog per category. And I remember the first time I saw Oh, Ladycake’s badge on her site and was like ‘Wow. That would look mighty nice on VV’ (ha!). Fast forward several years and I can honestly say I follow 80% of the blogs nominated and consider a large portion of them dear blog friends of mine.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, if you are feeling it, you should hop on over and vote for VV in the ‘special diet category’ on Saveur’s site. But honestly, its okay if you don’t because I’m just happy to be a part of the club and mentioned among so many talented writers and photographers. I’m thinking of it as a win-win since I’ll be munching on Laura’s Quinoa Onion Rings if The First Mess wins and this Orange Chocolate Tart if Happyyolks is sent to Vegas.

pita nachos

These nachos are like no nachos you’ve probably ever munched on before. According to Food52, the most important elements for nachos are quality ingredients and strong layering ethic. We’ve got both of those bases covered here. These are a mix between eating a greek pita sandwich and a faleffel burger.

pita nachos

We start with the strong base of homemade and crispy pita chips. Then we sprinkle cumin-roasted chickpeas for both protein and a flavor boost. Next comes a drizzle layer of tahini dressing followed by crumbled feta, olives, and tomatoes. That’s it. Nachos should be simple and all about the assembling process and this recipe is no exception. Heck, you could even buy store bought pita chips if you are looking for an even easier nacho recipe.

pita nachos

I made the pita chips and roasted chickpeas ahead of time so I just had to layer everything before enjoying. This recipe is easily made vegan by removing the feta and adding more olives (to help give it more salty-goodness) and it’ll still be delicious since the tahini dressing will keep the nachos drenched in flavor.

Also, last and most importantly, my measurments below are very vague because you gotta take charge and make nachos how you like them. Some people love the saltiness of feta and should load up on the cheese. Others prefer just a little of everything in each bite and should top with equal parts tomatoes, olives, chickpeas, and feta.

Greek Goddess Celebratory Nachos recipe below:

pita nachos

Greek Goddess Celebratory Nachos
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Author: Shelly Westerhausen
Ingredients
For the pita chips:
  • 6-7 pitas , sliced into 8 even pieces each
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • salt/pepper
For the roasted chickpeas:
  • 1 14 ounce can of chickpeas , rinsed and drained
  • 1 Tablespoon of peanut oil (or vegetable or coconut)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • salt / pepper
For the tahini dressing:
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • diced cherry tomatoes
  • crumbled feta
  • sliced black olives
  • cilantro
  • lemon juice from half a lemon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all the roasted chickpea ingredients together and lay in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast the chickpeas for 30 minutes, shaking the pan every 5 minutes or so (to avoid from burning) until the chickpeas are golden and crunchy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
  2. Lower oven temperature to 375 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (I just reused the chickpea sheet since I made one after the other but totally your call). Place the pita wedges in a single layer on your baking sheet (this could take two depending on the size of your sheets) and evenly (and liberally!) coat both sides of the pita pieces with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and pop in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Make sure you rotate the baking sheets halfway through if you are using 2 and flip the pitas halfway through the cooking time. Remove from oven once crispy and transfer to a big plate / bowl for serving. Sprinkle the cooled chickpeas over the pitas.
  3. Whisk together the tahini dressing ingredients (I kept these super simple - feel free to add any spices you are feeling) until the olive oil evenly blends with the tahini. If the sauce ends up too thick to drizzle then slowly add more olive oil while whisking until a desired consistency is reached.
  4. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the pita chips followed by olives, tomatoes, feta, and cilantro. Squeeze half a lemon all over.
  5. Devour!

 

pita nachos

 

Comment

18 Comments

  • Maria Tadic
    April 1, 2014

    These look so good! I love the idea of a greek nacho – especially with those pita chips and chickpeas! What a fun idea – love it!

  • Grace
    April 1, 2014

    !!!!! Sooo exciting! That saveur badge looks so good on you blog! These nachos look mighty fine too. Congratulations! You’re awesome! 🙂

  • Erika
    April 1, 2014

    Love this.. a great twist on nachos.. and that nomination is well deserved..

  • Kristin
    April 1, 2014

    Congrats Shelly!!! This cracks me up because when we were in high school my brother used to always make celebration nachos after school (: Ya nachos!!!

  • Alanna
    April 1, 2014

    These look amazing, and I just voted for you – congrats, lady!!!

  • Katie @ 24 Carrot Life
    April 1, 2014

    Celebratory nachos are the best kind. Congrats again! And obvi I voted for you!

  • Sarah | The Sugar Hit
    April 1, 2014

    Brilliant work, girl! You know I’m ya number one fan. Good luck!

  • phi
    April 2, 2014

    well, you should come regardless, i can’t think of a better reason to go to vegas… aside from meeting me of course. and then we can have a “work” session to discuss our plans to take over the world by making everyone eat veggies and tacos.

    • Shellywest
      phi
      April 2, 2014

      Are you going regardless?! Ugh, I would love to hang and eat some vegan junk food. The plane tickets are $$$ and I looked into driving but it’d take 25 hours each way….

  • Ashlae W.
    April 2, 2014

    OH HEY GIRL!!!!!! So stoked for you <3 And I'm all for strong nacho layering – definitely the key to good nachos.

  • Maria | pink patisserie
    April 2, 2014

    I can think of no one more deserving. Congrats Shelly!

  • Laura
    April 3, 2014

    Hooray! So honoured to be in that category with you, Shelly. Your work is so inspiring and I know that we would just vibe if we ever get to meet. Nacho party! These look TOO good. xoxo

  • Gabby @ the veggie nook
    April 6, 2014

    Awww congrats!! I will definitely go over and vote. These look to DIE for!

  • emily (a nutritionist eats)
    April 9, 2014

    That is definitely reason for celebration! And what better way…looks and sounds absolutely delicious.

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  • Ingrid Lenert
    April 14, 2016

    These are INCREDIBLE! They are so full of flavour and, I believe, better than regular nachos ;). We added home made guacamole to the nachos but it seriously doesn’t need it.

    We didn’t eat it all in one night so stored the pita chips in a plastic bag in the microwave and they were just as fresh the next evening. Will make again and again and again!

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