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Oven-Baked Chickpeas with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Pistachios

This vibrant dish combines the earthy richness of chickpeas with the bright acidity of lime, the briny depth of olives, and the crunch of pistachios, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, this oven-baked recipe is not only a testament to the region's love for legumes but also showcases the use of fresh ingredients that enhance the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables. Serve it warm as a main course or as a side dish, and enjoy its comforting yet sophisticated charm. This recipe can be effortlessly adapted with pre-cooked chickpeas for those short on time, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Main | Side | Mediterranean | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Shellfish-Free | Soy-Free | Vegan | Baked Dish | Vegetable Dish | Baking Dish | Mixing Bowl | Oven | Pot | Chickpea | Olive | Pistachio | Tomato | Boiling | Roasting | Simmering | Tossing | Make-Ahead
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

1h

Wait

8h

Total

9h 15min

Ingredients (Makes 4 portions)

Chickpea Preparation

  • 150 g dried chickpeas, soaked in water overnight

Vegetable Mixture

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved

Flavoring

  • Juice and zest of 2 limes (or 1 lemon)
  • 30 g brown sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons dried thyme

Finishing Touches

  • 100 g pitted black olives
  • 80 g coarsely chopped pistachios

Cooking Medium

  • 100 ml olive oil

Seasoning

  • Salt, freshly ground black pepper
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 9
  • Protein: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 14
  • Fiber: 4
Directions

Chickpea Preparation

  • 1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and cook them in a pot of boiling water over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Oven Preparation

  • 2. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Initial Roasting

  • 3. In a mixing bowl, combine half of the lime juice, brown sugar, half of the cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the mixture in a medium baking dish and roast for about 20 minutes, until caramelized.

Chickpea Mixture

  • 4. In a medium pot, combine the cooked chickpeas, remaining cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and half of the thyme. Stir and simmer until the cherry tomatoes soften, creating a confit-like mixture.

Final Assembly

  • 5. Remove the roasted mixture from the oven, add the entire contents of the pot and the olives, and mix well. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving

  • 6. Transfer to a serving platter and finish with the remaining lime juice, lime zest, the rest of the thyme, and chopped pistachios. Toss gently and serve.
Cookix's Secrets

Alternative Ingredients

  • Replace chickpeas with lentils or black beans for a different flavor profile.

Bold Flavor Enhancements

  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Healthier Twist

  • Use less olive oil or a light spray of cooking oil to reduce calories.

Soaking Chickpeas

  • For best results, soak the chickpeas overnight to ensure even cooking.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.