Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs

Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs, and Shallots is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of fresh herbs, and the mild sweetness of shallots. This casserole is typically baked, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Here’s a general idea of how you can prepare this dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3-4 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• Optional: Grated Parmesan or feta cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chickpeas: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, sliced shallots, minced garlic, lemon zest, and juice.
3. Season: Add olive oil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chickpeas are well-coated with the seasonings.
4. Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Pour the vegetable broth over the chickpeas.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the shallots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Finish: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last few minutes of baking.
7. Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley (or other fresh herbs). Serve warm.

This casserole can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. The combination of lemon, herbs, and shallots provides a fresh and vibrant flavor profile, making it a delightful addition to any meal.