This Savory Chickpea and Vegetable Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the heartiness of chickpeas with the fresh flavors of vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a main course or a hearty side, this bake is sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking time)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 100g chickpeas
- 100 ml milk
- Raisins, to taste
- Dried cranberries, to taste
- 3 eggs
- Plant oil, for cooking
- 10g baking powder
- 4 onions, chopped
- 35g butter (for sautéing)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Spring onions, chopped
- Leeks, chopped
- 7 mushrooms, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 6 tablespoons oatmeal
- 200 ml water
- Rosemary, to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 35g butter (for topping)
- 20g paprika
- 150g cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Rinse 100 grams of chickpeas.
- Soak them in water for 2 hours.
Prepare the Vegetables: 3. Chop the onions, garlic, spring onions, leeks, and mushrooms.
- In a large pan, melt 35g butter and sauté the onions, garlic, spring onions, leeks, and mushrooms until they are soft and fragrant.
Prepare the Batter: 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, raisins, dried cranberries, eggs, plant oil, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
- Add the soaked chickpeas, lemon juice, oatmeal, and 200 ml of water to the mixture.
- Season with rosemary, salt, and ground pepper.
Bake the Mixture: 8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Dot with 35g butter and sprinkle over with paprika.
- Top with mozzarella and additional cheese.
- Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 45 minutes.
Finish Baking: 12. After the initial baking, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for another 15 minutes.
Serve: 13. Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure to soak the chickpeas thoroughly to ensure they cook properly.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of raisins and cranberries based on your preference for sweetness.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, making this dish filling and nutritious.
- The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the oatmeal adds whole grains to the meal.
Dietary Information:
- This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the oatmeal used is certified gluten-free.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- A flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal.
- Combines protein-rich chickpeas with a variety of fresh vegetables.
- The combination of savory and sweet ingredients makes it a unique and delicious option.
Conclusion:
This Savory Chickpea and Vegetable Bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the delicious blend of textures and tastes in every bite!