The Chickpea and Pepper Bake is a hearty and flavorful Mediterranean dish that's perfect for both main courses and side dishes. Combining chickpeas with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices, this recipe offers a nutritious and delicious meal. It's easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile, allowing for adjustments to suit personal taste preferences. Serve it warm with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutesmins
Cook Time 35 minutesmins
Total Time 50 minutesmins
Equipment
Oven
Oven-safe dish
Knife
Cutting board
Mixing spoon
Ingredients
2cupschickpeas(or 480 ml) canned/boiled
1onion
1red bell pepper
1green pepper
1/2bulb of garlic
1teaspoontomato paste
1tablespoonpaprika paste
1/2cupolive oilor 120 ml
1tablespoonred pepper flakes
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180-200°C (356-392°F).
Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the onion and peppers into strips.
Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the individual cloves, but leave the bulb intact.
Mix the Ingredients:
In an oven-safe dish, combine the chickpeas, sliced onion, peppers, tomato paste, paprika paste, olive oil, red pepper flakes, cumin, and salt.
Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chickpeas and vegetables are well coated with the spices and sauces.
Place the half bulb of garlic, cut side up, into the center of the tray with the chickpea mixture surrounding it and top with a bit of olive oil.
Bake the Dish:
Cover the dish with wet parchment paper to prevent it from drying out.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Add the Roasted Garlic:
After baking, carefully remove the garlic bulb. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins and mix them back into the chickpea and pepper mixture.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Serve warm, either as a main dish or a hearty side.
Notes
Versatile recipe that can be adjusted to taste preferences.
For a richer flavor, add more garlic or increase the amount of spices.
Serving with yogurt or a fresh salad can enhance the dish's flavors and add a refreshing element.
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.