Vegetable and Chickpea Noodle Bake Stir-Fry Casserole

This Vegetable and Chickpea Noodle Bake Stir-Fry Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining hearty chickpeas and vibrant vegetables with tender noodles, all baked to perfection. It's a comforting midnight dish that satisfies both cravings and nutritional needs.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat noodles - 150 grams
• Canned chickpeas - 240 grams, drained and rinsed
• Bell pepper (any color) - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - ½ teaspoon
• Salt - ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Grated cheese (optional) - 50 grams

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the whole wheat noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the drained chickpeas, fresh spinach, soy sauce, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from chickpeas and vegetables, promoting digestive health.
• Provides a good source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle health.

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