Garlicky Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Baked Goat Cheese

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces fresh goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry with a paper towel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 medium fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 medium lemon
• 1/4 cup fennel fronds, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup tahini roasted garlic dressing

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use your hands to shape the goat cheese into 20 (1-inch) balls and place on a plate. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up. Meanwhile, heat the oven and cook the chickpeas.
2. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beans to the pan in a single layer. Cook undisturbed until the beans are lightly browned on the bottom, 2 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Spread out again and cook, stirring as needed, until golden-brown and blistered on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove the chickpeas from the heat and cool slightly before serving or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
4. Whisk the egg whites in a small bowl. Combine the breadcrumbs, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in another small bowl.
5. Remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator. Gently but firmly press each ball into a thick disk, smoothing the sides with your finger. Dip a disk into the egg whites, turning it to coat and then allowing any excess to drip off, and then completely coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining discs.
6. Bake until golden-brown and the cheese is warmed through, 13 to 15 minutes. (A minute or two under the broiler will brown them more if needed.) Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Use a small spatula to gently reshape the disks if needed.
7. Toss the fennel with the lemon juice in a large bowl. Use immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator (for up to 5 days) until ready to serve.
8. When ready to serve, stir the chickpeas, fennel fronds, and parsley into the fennel, then divide the mixture between 4 plates. Top with the baked goat cheese rounds and drizzle with the dressing.

RECIPE NOTES
Accompanying recipe: We used tahini roasted garlic dressing.

Make ahead: The cheese balls can be formed and stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days ahead.