Chickpea Moussaka

Chickpea Moussaka is a delightful, dairy-free twist on the traditional Greek dish, featuring layers of spiced chickpeas, roasted eggplant, and a rich tomato sauce. This hearty and nutritious meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas - 200 grams (cooked and drained)
• Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
• Zucchini - 1 medium (about 150 grams)
• Onion - 1 medium (about 100 grams)
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
• Diced tomatoes - 400 grams (canned or fresh)
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh parsley - for garnish
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick slices, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. Add the cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Rinse the eggplant slices to remove excess salt, pat dry, and brush with a little olive oil. Arrange them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
6. In the same pan, slice the zucchini into thin rounds and briefly sauté in a tablespoon of olive oil until just tender, about 5 minutes.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the roasted eggplant, followed by the chickpea-tomato mixture, the sautéed zucchini, and the remaining eggplant on top.
8. If using, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for added flavor. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
9. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from chickpeas.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and eggplants.
• Low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.

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