Looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s both nutritious and delicious? Try this eggplant, tomato, and chickpea traybake, a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines tender roasted eggplant, juicy cherry tomatoes, and protein-packed chickpeas, all topped with a creamy tahini dressing and fresh mint. The result? A vibrant, nutrient-dense dish that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Plus, baking this dish in a 100% natural ceramic oven tray ensures that your food stays free from harmful chemicals while retaining all the essential nutrients.
Ingredients
- Small handful of fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp tahini, thinned with warm water and juice of half a lemon to create a dressing
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 300g cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp harissa, diluted with 1 tbsp water
- 2 medium eggplants, cut into 2 cm cubes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
How to Make Eggplant, Tomato, and Chickpea Traybake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 220ºC.
- Prepare the Tray: Pour the EVOO into your KUOKO oven tray and heat in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the oil is hot.
- Roast the Eggplant: Remove the tray from the oven, add the eggplant cubes, and drizzle with the diluted harissa sauce. Toss everything together so the eggplant is well coated. Return the tray to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Toss and Roast Again: Take the tray out, toss the eggplant cubes to ensure even roasting, and place it back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: After 15 minutes, add the cherry tomatoes to the tray and continue roasting for 20 minutes.
- Add Chickpeas: When the 20 minutes are up, stir in the chickpeas and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the tray from the oven, stir in the lemon zest, and let it cool for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Drizzle the roasted vegetables and chickpeas with the tahini dressing, sprinkle fresh mint leaves over the top, and serve with warm pita bread.
Health Benefits of This Traybake:
This eggplant, tomato, and chickpea traybake is a wholesome, plant-based meal packed with essential nutrients. Eggplant is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber, making them excellent for muscle repair and digestive health. The cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, which support immune function and skin health. Meanwhile, tahini adds healthy fats and calcium, boosting bone health. This dish is also low in saturated fats, making it a heart-friendly option.
Why Use 100% Natural Ceramic Cookware?
Cooking with natural ceramic cookware is a healthier option compared to traditional metal or non-stick pans. Ceramic is non-reactive, which means it doesn’t release toxic chemicals or metals into your food, even when using acidic ingredients like lemon juice or harissa. It heats evenly, ensuring perfect cooking results without burning, while retaining the flavors and nutrients of your ingredients. Plus, ceramic cookware is free from harmful coatings like PTFE and PFOA, which can be found in some non-stick pans.
Why Make This Recipe?
- Easy and Convenient: This traybake comes together with minimal effort and can be prepared in under an hour.
- Nutritious and Filling: With fiber-rich eggplant, protein-packed chickpeas, and nutrient-dense vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying.
- Versatile and Plant-Based: Ideal for anyone following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their weekly routine.
- Ceramic Cookware Benefits: Cooking in a natural ceramic tray ensures that your food stays chemical-free while enhancing the taste and preserving the nutritional value of the ingredients.
This eggplant, tomato, and chickpea traybake is not only easy to prepare but also loaded with health benefits. The rich, creamy tahini dressing perfectly complements the roasted veggies, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, by using ceramic cookware, you’re ensuring that your meal is cooked in the safest, healthiest way possible. Please share if you like this recipe!