Spinach Zucchini Chickpea Bake Recipe
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
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)
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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