Chickpea and Vegetable Bake with Mozzarella and Cheddar

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This Chickpea and Vegetable Bake is a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. It combines chickpeas, a variety of sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful batter with dried fruits and cheese. The dish is topped with mozzarella and cheddar for a deliciously cheesy finish. It’s a great option for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Cuisine

This bake draws from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, incorporating chickpeas, leeks, and rosemary, and adding a unique touch with dried fruits and a cheesy topping.

Full List of Ingredients

For the Chickpea and Vegetable Mixture:

100g chickpeas, soaked for 2 hours
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
2 leeks, chopped

7 mushrooms, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
6 tablespoons oatmeal

200 ml water
Rosemary, to taste
Salt and ground pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

35g butter (for topping)
20g paprika
150g mozzarella cheese, shredded

150g cheddar cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas:

Rinse the 100g of chickpeas under cold water, then soak them in water for about 2 hours. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

Chop 4 onions, 3 cloves of garlic, 2 spring onions, and 2 leeks.

Slice 7 mushrooms and set all the vegetables aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pan, melt 35g of butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, spring onions, leeks, and mushrooms to the pan. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Batter:

In a mixing bowl, combine 100 ml milk, raisins, dried cranberries, and 3 beaten eggs. Add 1 tablespoon of plant oil and 10g baking powder. Mix well to combine.
Stir in the soaked chickpeas, lemon juice, 6 tablespoons oatmeal, and 200 ml water.
Season the mixture with rosemary, salt, and ground pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Vegetables and Batter:

Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the batter and stir until everything is evenly combined.

6. Prepare to Bake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Grease a baking dish and transfer the chickpea and vegetable mixture into the dish.

Dot the top with 35g of butter and sprinkle with paprika.

7. Add the Cheese:

Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.

8. Bake the Mixture:

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden and the mixture is set.

9. Finish Baking:

After 45 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and continue baking for another 15 minutes to ensure everything is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Serve:

Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy the deliciously savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this bake with a fresh green salad, like arugula or mixed greens, dressed in a light vinaigrette.

With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers, for a complete meal.
As a Light Dinner: This bake can also be served as a light dinner with a side of steamed greens like broccoli or spinach.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 18 g

Fiber: 8 g
Sugars: 12 g
Sodium: 500 mg

Cholesterol: 100 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This dish is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, combining chickpeas, leeks, and rosemary—ingredients commonly used in those regions. The addition of dried fruit, such as raisins and cranberries, adds a unique touch, blending savory and sweet flavors in one comforting dish.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and Filling: The chickpeas provide protein and fiber, making this a wholesome, filling meal.

Flavorful and Savory: The combination of sautéed vegetables, rosemary, and cheese creates a savory depth of flavor, while the raisins and cranberries provide a touch of sweetness.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, the baking process makes it an easy one-pan meal.
Customizable: You can swap the vegetables based on what’s in season or add other ingredients, such as spinach or bell peppers, to suit your tastes.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, which helps to build and repair muscle.
Rich in Fiber: The combination of chickpeas, vegetables, and oatmeal offers a good amount of fiber, promoting digestive health.
Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables provide essential vitamins like vitamin C, A, and K, which are important for immune function, vision, and bone health.

Calcium: The cheese adds calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.

Cooking Tips

Sauté the Vegetables Well: Sautéing the vegetables properly brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, ensuring the casserole is packed with taste.
Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh rosemary instead of dried rosemary to bring a more vibrant flavor to the dish.

Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use blue cheese or feta instead of mozzarella.

Variations to Try

Add Meat: For a heartier version, you can add cooked sausage, ground turkey, or chicken to the mixture.
Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, use plant-based cheese and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Chickpea and Vegetable Bake with Mozzarella and Cheddar is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The combination of chickpeas, sautéed vegetables, and cheese makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side salad, this bake is sure to become a new family favorite!

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bake in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

2. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

3. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before using them in the recipe.

4. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use cheddar, feta, or even a plant-based cheese for a different flavor.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to the mixture for added nutrition.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

7. Can I use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, oat flour can be used, but it may change the texture of the bake slightly. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and check that all your ingredients are gluten-free.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add chili flakes, chopped fresh chili, or hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat.

10. How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.