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Baked Chickpea Frittata

17/11/2023

The baked chickpea frittata is a simple and nutritious preparation, an excellent protein variant for those following a vegetarian diet or simply for those who love legumes. This is a basic version, but the beauty of a frittata is that you can customize it to your liking with other ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 400 g of cooked and drained chickpeas (if using canned chickpeas, rinse them well)
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 100 g of grated cheese (parmesan, pecorino, or another of your choice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A bunch of aromatic herbs of your choice (such as parsley, cilantro, or chives), chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Optional: additional vegetables, such as spinach or peppers, chopped and sautéed

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of oil and gently sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add the chickpeas to the skillet and let them cook for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, add the cheese, salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs. Mix everything well.
  5. Add the sautéed chickpeas to the egg mixture and gently stir.
  6. Pour the mixture into the skillet, level it out well and cook on the stove for about 2 minutes to set the bottom.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is golden brown and cooked through. Check with a toothpick or knife: if it comes out clean, the frittata is ready.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

In addition to being a complete and delicious dish, the baked chickpea frittata has the advantage of being served hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or buffets as well.

Curiosity

While in Italy the frittata is typically cooked first on the stove and then finished in the oven or under the grill, in other cultures the “baked frittatas,” such as the Spanish tortilla or the French quiche, are entirely baked in the oven. The baked chickpea frittata is closer to this second methodology, making the dish even simpler to prepare.