Go Back
–+ servings
Baked Chickpeas with Fresh Cheese (Paneer) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Baked Chickpeas with Fresh Cheese (Paneer)

The ultimate vegetarian comfort food, this Baked Chickpeas with Fresh Cheese recipe blends hearty chickpeas with creamy paneer in a vibrant, spicy Indian tomato sauce. A simple, one-dish wonder perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 serving
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons (57 g / 2.01 oz) butter, melted
  • 1 recipe Spicy Indian Tomato Sauce, warmed
  • 4 cups (660 g / 23.3 oz) cooked chickpeas, or 3 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 g / 12 oz) paneer or other fresh cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup (8 g / 0.28 oz) chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
  • For a heartier dish, add 1 pound (454 g / 16 oz) of blanched and chopped spinach or a small head of cauliflower florets to the tomato sauce before adding the chickpeas.
  • Swap the chickpeas for an equal amount of cooked kidney beans or mung beans for a different texture and taste.
  • For a richer flavor and golden-brown paneer, briefly pan-fry the cheese cubes in a little ghee or oil until all sides are lightly browned before adding them to the bake.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C.
  2. Grease a 2-quart / 2-litre gratin dish or a 9x13-inch baking dish with about 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of the melted butter.
  3. Pour the warm Spicy Indian Tomato Sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Spoon the chickpeas evenly over the sauce and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Scatter the cubed paneer over the chickpeas, gently pressing the cubes into the sauce.
  5. Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the entire dish.
  6. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the tops of the paneer and chickpeas are lightly browned.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  8. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro or parsley and another grind of black pepper before serving.
  9. Don't have paneer? Firm tofu, feta, farmer cheese, or queso fresco are all excellent substitutes that offer a different but delicious flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 22gFat: 25g

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!