Chickpea stew with vegetables and meatballs

Chickpea dish with vegetables and meatballs

Looking for a recipe that combines delicious flavors, varied textures, and a touch of comfort? Chickpea dish with vegetables and meatballs is a meal that meets all these requirements and, moreover, is easy to prepare. This recipe is not only nutritious but also full of flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh ingredients and the simplest cooking techniques. I invite you to discover this dish, which will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the chickpea dish:
- 1 can of chickpeas (approximately 400 g), drained
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 red onion
- 6 ripe tomatoes
- A few fresh dill leaves
- 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small cup of water

For the meatballs:
- 350 g pork meat (or chicken, as preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash the vegetables well under cold running water. Cut the eggplant and zucchini into cubes of about 1.5 cm, keeping the skin for added texture and nutrients. Finely chop the red onion, and cut the tomatoes into cubes similar in size to the zucchini and eggplant.

2. Frying the bacon: In a large skillet (preferably non-stick), add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and fry until crispy and golden. This will add a rich flavor to the dish.

3. Sautéing the onion: Once the bacon is ready, add the finely chopped onion. Let the mixture sauté on low heat until the onion becomes transparent and soft, about 2 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning the ingredients.

4. Adding the vegetables: Now, add the eggplant and zucchini to the skillet. Fry on high heat, stirring occasionally. If you notice that the oil has been fully absorbed by the eggplant, add another 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent the onion and bacon from burning. Continue frying for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.

5. Including the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let the mixture boil on high heat for another 2 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and create a delicious base for the chickpeas.

6. Adding the chickpeas: Finally, add the drained chickpeas and water. Gently stir to combine the ingredients. This protein and fiber-rich chickpea will transform the dish into a hearty and healthy meal.

7. Transferring to the baking dish: Pour the vegetable and chickpea mixture into a heat-resistant dish. This will be where the meatballs are baked in the oven, absorbing all the flavors from the vegetables.

8. Preparing the meatballs: In another bowl, wash the pork meat and cut it into small cubes. Using a meat grinder or food processor, chop the meat until you obtain a fine paste. Add salt, pepper, the egg, and chopped parsley. Mix the composition well, then form meatballs of equal size.

9. Placing the meatballs: Use a spoon to make a small indentation in the vegetable mixture in the dish. Place each meatball in the center of the indentation. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and help cook the meatballs evenly.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

11. Serving: Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the chickpea dish warm, alongside a slice of freshly baked homemade bread. This will soak up all the flavorful juices of the dish and turn the meal into an unforgettable experience.

Helpful tips:

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, or even make vegetarian meatballs using lentils or mushrooms. Additionally, spices like cumin or paprika can be added to enhance the flavors.
- Olive oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor. It is not only healthy but also very aromatic.
- Nutritional benefits: The chickpea dish is rich in proteins, fibers, and vitamins. Chickpeas contribute to healthy digestion, and fresh vegetables provide a wide range of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas?
Of course! If you prefer dried chickpeas, make sure to soak them for 8 hours and then boil them until soft before adding them to the recipe.

- How can I make the dish spicier?
Add some chili flakes or a hot sauce to the vegetable mixture to add a spicy note.

- Can the dish be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes very well. Make sure to let it cool before dividing it into portions and placing it in airtight containers.

This chickpea dish with vegetables and meatballs is not just a simple and quick recipe but also an excellent way to bring the family together around the table. Whether you enjoy it on a Sunday evening or prepare it for a special occasion, it will surely be appreciated by everyone. So embrace your passion for cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!