What's For Dinner: The Quiet Comfort of a Chickpea Bake

January often arrives with a flurry, doesn't it? New plans, resolutions, the lingering chill in the air urging us to move a little faster. But sometimes, amidst all that busy energy, my spirit just longs for a quiet corner. A moment to simply *be*, to breathe, and to remember the quiet grace in the everyday. That's where a dish like this Chickpea Bake finds its sweet spot in my kitchen.
There's something profoundly grounding about gathering simple ingredients and letting them come together slowly, gently, into something nourishing. It’s not about rushing; it’s about the peaceful presence required for the act, and the humble satisfaction it brings. This bake isn't shouting for attention; it's a warm whisper on a cold evening, a reminder that sustenance can be both profound and profoundly uncomplicated. It's a gentle invitation to pause and enjoy the goodness that can be found in a simple meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
• 4-5 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (or a regular skillet if you'll transfer it later), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan, stirring to combine them with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Gently fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.
7. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly to the preheated oven. If not, carefully transfer the chickpea mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
9. Remove from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
10. Serve warm, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

As the warmth from the oven fills the kitchen, and the comforting aroma settles in, I often find myself pausing. A moment of gratitude for the abundance, for the simple act of preparing food for loved ones (or just myself), and for the invitation to quiet my own heart. In a world that often demands so much, these small, intentional acts become anchors for our souls, helping us to remember what truly sustains us. Each January, I'm reminded anew of this precious truth. What quiet moments are you cultivating this January? And what simple dish brings that same gentle comfort to your table?

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Photo by Jennifer Kalenberg on Unsplash

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