Discover the perfect balance of flavors and textures with this Delicious Chickpea and Vegetable Bake. This hearty and wholesome dish features tender chickpeas, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce, all baked to perfection. With its rich blend of spices and simple preparation, this bake is a satisfying choice for a comforting dinner or a nutritious meal prep option.
Ingredients
- 200 grams chopped onion
- Vegetable oil, for sautéing
- 200 grams chopped bell peppers
- 5 cloves garlic, grated (20 grams)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (40 grams)
- 1 cup tomato puree (240 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 potatoes (600 grams), sliced into thin rounds
- 2 zucchinis (400 grams), cut into thin circles
- 3 tomatoes (350 grams), sliced into thin rounds
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 2 small red onions (180 grams), cut into thin circles
- Water, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Incorporate the diced onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and grated garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until aromatic.
- Create the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly.
- Add the tomato puree, cumin, paprika, red chili flakes, vegetable bouillon, black pepper, and salt to the skillet.
- Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Chickpeas:
- Add the drained chickpeas to the sauce and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Layer the potato circles evenly in the bottom of the dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Spread half of the zucchini circles over the potatoes, followed by half of the tomato circles. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Pour the chickpea and sauce mixture over the vegetables, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the remaining zucchini, tomato circles, and red onion slices on top.
- Lightly coat with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Serve:
- Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Conclusion
This Delicious Chickpea and Vegetable Bake is a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With its layers of tender vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and rich tomato sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal or for meal prepping. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and comforting taste of this delightful bake! 🌿🍲