Chickpea Marinara (Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce with Melty Mozzarella Cheese)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
2308 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Chickpea Marinara (Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce with Melty Mozzarella Cheese)
Description
This recipe begins by slowly sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful aromatics base. The addition of jarred or homemade marinara sauce with water and canned chickpeas is simmered to marry flavors and thicken slightly. The simmered mixture is transferred to an oven-safe skillet for assembly.
Fresh mozzarella pieces are added on top and broiled briefly until bubbly and lightly browned, adding a melty, creamy texture to the savory tomato and chickpea sauce. Freshly chopped parsley, basil, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese are sprinkled over at the end for brightness and savory depth. The optional red pepper flakes can add heat to taste.
This hearty dish is excellent served with crusty bread, allowing the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese to be scooped up. It can work as a vegetarian main course or a satisfying appetizer, showcasing the combination of tender chickpeas with cheese and classic Italian herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion roughly chopped, medium
- 2 garlic minced, large cloves
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce homemade
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 chickpeas 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped fresh
- 1/2 cup basil roughly chopped, fresh leaves
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- red pepper flakes for serving (optional
- bread for serving (optional, crusty
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and garlic and season with a big pinch of salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each). Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant (adjust the heat as needed to make sure the garlic does not burn).
- Simmer. Add the marinara (or homemade spaghetti) sauce, water, and chickpeas. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and partially cover the pan. Simmer for 15 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, just to let everything get acquainted.
- Broil. Position a rack in the oven about 6 inches below the broiler. Turn the broiler to high. Remove the lid from the pan of simmering chickpeas and nestle the torn mozzarella pieces into the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese has melted and browned in some parts.
- Finish and serve. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle with the parsley, basil, pecorino Romano, and red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve with a side of crusty bread to sop up the sauce, if you’d like.
Notes
- Use quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic for the best aromatic base flavor.
- Watch closely when broiling the mozzarella to achieve a golden, bubbly top without burning.
- Serve with crusty bread to complement the rich sauce and melted cheese.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2308 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 230.8kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.9g | 2% |
| Protein | 12.2g | 24% |
| Fat | 18.3g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7g | 39% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8.4g | 42% |
| Cholesterol | 40.1mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 351.5mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 135.8mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugar | 1.7g | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 1105.3IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 307.1mg | 31% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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