Garlic Braised Eggplant & Chickpea Casserol

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
A fragrant, hearty vegan stew featuring tender eggplant, chickpeas, and warm spices.
Garlic Braised Eggplant & Chickpea Casserol recipe image

Garlic Braised Eggplant & Chickpea Casserol

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 350

Description

This Garlic Braised Eggplant & Chickpea Casserol is a comforting, plant-based main course that balances earthy vegetables with aromatic spices. The eggplant becomes incredibly tender as it absorbs the flavorful sauce made from toasted cumin, fennel, and garlic. Chickpeas add protein and texture, while fresh cilantro provides a bright finish. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks, offering rich flavors without heavy dairy. Serve warm over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the savory gravy. Simple ingredients come together quickly to create a satisfying dish that appeals to both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. In a large skillet or flameproof casserole, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds and cook until dark brown, about 15 seconds.
  3. Add the fennel seeds and cracked black pepper; cook for 5 seconds.
  4. Add the sliced onions and garlic; reduce heat to moderately high.
  5. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions and garlic are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the powdered mustard, red pepper flakes, turmeric (or curry powder), and salt.
  7. Add the eggplant pieces to the skillet.
  8. Reduce heat to moderate; cook, stirring gently, until the eggplant is limp, about 5 minutes.
  9. Add the quartered tomatoes and rinsed chickpeas; stir gently to combine.
  10. Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat until the liquid thickens into a gravy and flavors blend, about 5 minutes.
  11. Season with additional salt to taste if needed.
  12. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.5g20%
Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 450mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 45.0g15%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g40%
Sugars 8.0g
Protein 12.0g24%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: eggplant, chickpeas, garlic, vegan, casserole, braised, cumin, fennel, spicy, plant-based, dinner, stew, healthy, gluten-free, comfort food, quick meal, mediterranean, herbs, cilantro, onion
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