Baked Zucchini and Lentil Bake with Cheese and Chickpeas

Baked Zucchini and Lentil Bake with Cheese and Chickpeas is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender zucchini with hearty lentils and chickpeas, topped with a golden layer of cheese. This wholesome bake is perfect for a comforting dinner that celebrates the flavors of fresh vegetables and legumes.

Baked Zucchini and Lentil Bake with Cheese and Chickpeas
45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
American
350 kcal

Ingredients

  • Zucchini - 2 medium (about 300g)
  • Cooked lentils - 1 cup (about 200g)
  • Canned chickpeas - 1 cup (about 240g), rinsed and drained
  • Onion - 1 small (about 100g), diced
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Ground paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup (about 100g)
  • Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
  4. Add the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the cooked lentils and chickpeas, and mix until well combined. Remove from heat.
  6. In a baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Spread the lentil and chickpea mixture over the zucchini, then layer the remaining zucchini on top.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of zucchini.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fiber: 12 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in fiber, which supports digestive health.
  • High in plant-based protein from lentils and chickpeas.

Tags

AmericanKosherDinner