Chickpea and Vegetable Bake with Yogurt Sauce

This Chickpea and Vegetable Bake with Yogurt Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of fresh vegetables and protein-packed chickpeas. The addition of eggs and cheese creates a rich and satisfying bake, while the creamy yogurt dill sauce adds a refreshing and tangy touch. Perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal, this bake is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the savory combination of textures and flavors in this wholesome dish!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 200 grams chickpeas • 1 onion, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • Ginger, minced (to taste) • 1 pepper, chopped • 3 tomatoes • 1 carrot, chopped • 7 mushrooms, sliced • Spring onions, chopped • Parsley, chopped • 3 eggs • Salt, to taste • Ground pepper, to taste • Turmeric, to taste • Paprika, to taste • Butter • Vegetable oilOlive oil • 150 grams cheese, shredded

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 250 grams yogurt • Dill, chopped • 1/2 lemon, juiced • Pinch of salt

Directions:

Prepare Chickpeas:

  1. Cook the Chickpeas:
    • Cook 200 grams of chickpeas for 45 minutes until tender. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them.
  2. Heat Oil:

Sauté Aromatics:

  1. Cook Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, ginger, and chopped pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Prepare Tomatoes:

  1. Peel and Chop:
    • Pour boiling water over the tomatoes, peel and chop them. Add the tomatoes to the pan and cook until they break down.

Chop Chickpeas:

  1. Add Chickpeas:
    • Chop half of the cooked chickpeas and add them to the pan. Stir to combine.

Seasoning:

  1. Season and Cook:
    • Season the mixture with salt, ground pepper, and turmeric. Add a small amount of butter and cook for 15 minutes.
  2. Cook Remaining Chickpeas:
    • Add the remaining whole chickpeas to the pan. Continue to cook over medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Add Vegetables:

  1. Cook Vegetables:
    • Add the chopped carrot, sliced mushrooms, and chopped spring onions to the pan. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Add Eggs:

  1. Beat and Combine:
    • Beat 3 eggs in a bowl and add them to the pan. Season with salt, ground pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
  2. Finish with Parsley:
    • Add chopped parsley to the mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.

Bake:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Transfer and Top:
    • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the mixture.
  3. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Make Yogurt Sauce:

  1. Mix Ingredients:
    • In a small bowl, mix 250 grams of yogurt with chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

Serve:

  1. Serve Hot:
    • Serve the chickpea and vegetable bake hot, accompanied by the yogurt sauce.

 

Detailed Information:

Nutritional Benefits:

This bake is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the variety of vegetables. Chickpeas provide a good source of plant-based protein, while the eggs add additional protein and healthy fats. The yogurt sauce offers probiotics and a tangy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Ingredient Tips:

  • Chickpeas: Use dried chickpeas for the best texture, but canned chickpeas can be a convenient alternative.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh dill and parsley for the best flavor in the sauce and bake.
  • Cheese: A good melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella works well for the topping.

Cooking Tips:

  • Draining Chickpeas: Ensure chickpeas are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
  • Even Cooking: Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Variations:

  • Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Vegan: Use a vegan egg substitute and dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan.
  • Nutty: Add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.

Final Thoughts:

This Chickpea and Vegetable Bake with Yogurt Sauce is a versatile and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. Its combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy yogurt sauce makes it a satisfying and delicious option. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, this bake is sure to impress. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and rich flavors of this delightful dish. Bon appétit!