Spicy Chickpea Casserole Vegetarian Delight
Warm, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors, the Spicy Chickpea Casserole Vegetarian Delight is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This wholesome casserole combines protein-packed chickpeas with tender vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, and baby spinach, all infused with a medley of warming spices including cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne for just the right amount of heat. Topped with a luscious layer of melted mozzarella cheese and golden breadcrumbs, this dish is baked to perfection for a crispy, creamy finish. It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or simply looking for a flavorful plant-based option, this casserole will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or holiday gatherings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with their juices
- 2 15-ounce cans canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Add the chopped baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer the chickpea mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Spicy Chickpea Casserole Vegetarian Delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2421 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.0 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.6 g | 143% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 120 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 8525 mg | 371% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 301.1 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 68.3 g | 244% | |
| Total Sugars | 68.9 g | ||
| Protein | 120.0 g | 240% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1831 mg | 141% | |
| Iron | 27.8 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 4399 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
