Sauteed Chickpeas with Meat

• 1/2 pound ground beef or other meat
• 4 cups cooked or canned chickpeas (2 cups of the cooking or canning liquid reserved)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 ancho or chipotle chile, soaked, stemmed, seeded, and minced, or 1 teaspoon good-quality chili powder, or to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

1. Turn the heat to high under a large, deep skillet and add the meat a little at a time, breaking it into small pieces as you do so.
2. Stir and break up the meat a bit more, then add the chickpeas.
3. Keep the heat high and continue to cook, stirring only occasionally, until the chickpeas begin to brown and pop, 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Dont worry if the mixture sticks a bit, but if it begins to scorch, lower the heat slightly.
5. Add the cumin, chile, and garlic and cook, stirring, for about a minute.
6. Add the reserved cooking liquid and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan if necessary to loosen any browned bits that have stuck.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then turn the heat to medium-low; continue to cook until the mixture is no longer soupy but not completely dry.
8. Stir in the olive oil, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
9. Garnish if you like and serve immediately, with rice or pita bread.

ground beef, chickpeas, ground cumin, chipotle chile, garlic, salt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh cilantro

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/sauteed-chickpeas-with-meat-386690 (may not work)