Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake is a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and seasoned chickpeas, it’s easy to prepare and baking brings out a deliciously comforting texture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the diced zucchinis, chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften.
4. Step 4: Transfer the vegetable and chickpea mixture into a greased baking dish. If you like, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top to add some crunch.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or your favorite vegan cheese on top before baking.
• Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. The bake may firm up when refrigerated, so allow it to come to room temperature briefly before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet to avoid a watery bake.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This bake stores well and can be portioned for several meals throughout the week, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

A delicious and nutritious Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake combining fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and a blend of spices, all baked to perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Legumes

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Seasonings & Oil

• 1 tsp olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika

Optional

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Vegetables and Chickpeas: Add the diced zucchinis, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the vegetable and chickpea mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to add a crunchy texture.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• The breadcrumbs topping is optional but adds a nice crunch to the dish.
• You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just ensure it’s well drained before using.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
• Serve this bake as a main dish or a hearty side.
• For a vegan dish, ensure the breadcrumbs and any additional toppings are vegan-friendly.

Keywords: spinach bake, zucchini bake, chickpea casserole, vegetarian bake, Mediterranean vegetables, healthy vegetable bake