GRILLED PITA WITH GREEK SALAD

Grilled Pita with Greek Salad image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1 small garlic clove, forced through a garlic press
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus additional oil for brushing
1 (19-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon water
4 (6- to 8-inch) pocketless pita rounds
10 ounces Italian mixed salad (8 cups)
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (1/4 pound), halved
1 small cucumber, peeled if desired, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved lengthwise
1/3 cup crumbled French or Greek feta (2 ounces)
Special Equipment
a well-seasoned large (2-burner) ridged grill pan (preferably cast-iron)

Steps:

Whisk together lemon juice, oregano, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, then add oil and whisk dressing until combined well.
Purée 1 1/4 cups chickpeas, water, and 1/4 cup dressing in a food processor until almost smooth.
Heat grill pan over high heat until smoking and lightly brush with oil, then grill pitas, 2 at a time, turning over once, until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes total per batch. Transfer to plates.
Add salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, and remaining chickpeas to remaining dressing in bowl and toss to coat well.
Spread some chickpea purée on each pita, then mound salad on top.