Name: Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 small eggplant; 1 large red bell pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; cilantro, freshly chopped (for garnish); 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces), drained, rinsed, and patted dry; 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces); 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting vegetables); ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/3 cup water; Hummus (for serving); Pine nuts, toasted (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving); Harissa (optional, for serving); Flatbread, warmed (for serving)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you are craving something hearty, wholesome, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful one-pan dish that brings together tender roasted eggplant and bell pepper with perfectly browned chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. Every bite bursts with warmth from spices like cumin and paprika, balanced by fresh garnishes and a touch of lemon. This recipe is not only a fantastic vegetarian option but also comes together with simple, accessible ingredients that transform into a comforting, colorful masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: a single dark purple eggplant with a green stem at the top right, a whole bulb of garlic nearby, a cluster of two bright red bell peppers at the bottom left, a small white bowl filled with chickpeas on the right center, a clear glass bowl with golden olive oil at the top left, a white bowl with smooth red tomato sauce below the olive oil, a tiny white dish with a dollop of red paste near the center, and a small wooden bowl holding a mix of ground spices including a reddish and a light brown powder placed at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step toward making your Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe sing. Each item adds a unique element that contributes to the rich texture, bright flavor, and satisfying aroma you will love.

Eggplant (small): Provides a meaty texture and soaks up flavors beautifully during roasting.
Red bell pepper (large): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons plus more for roasting): Vital for roasting vegetables and browning chickpeas, bringing richness and depth.
Chickpeas (1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed): The protein-packed star that gives the dish heartiness and a lovely bite.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the skillet with aromatic depth.
Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of sharpness and contrast.
Ground paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings smoky, slightly sweet notes.
Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Offers earthy warmth, a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ground cinnamon (1/8 teaspoon): Surprising and subtle, it rounds out spices with a touch of sweetness.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Forms the saucy base that ties all flavors together.
Water (⅓ cup): Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency for simmering.
Hummus: Optional for garnishing, adds creamy texture and extra flavor.
Fresh cilantro (chopped): Brings fresh herbal brightness.
Toasted pine nuts: For crunch and a nutty finish.
Lemon wedges: To squeeze over for freshness and zing.
Harissa: Optional for a spicy kick.
Flatbread (warmed): Perfect for scooping and enjoying every saucy bite.

How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

First, preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice the eggplant and red bell pepper in half lengthwise, then score an X pattern on the eggplant’s flesh to help it cook evenly. Brush both vegetables generously with olive oil and season with salt and fresh black pepper. Place them cut-side up on the baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly charred, about 25 to 30 minutes. This roasting step is key to unlocking the deep, caramelized flavors that elevate this dish.

Step 2: Brown the Chickpeas

While your vegetables roast, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the drained chickpeas and stir to coat them in olive oil. Season with a little salt and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a light golden crust. Browning the chickpeas adds a satisfying texture contrast and amazing flavor depth that you will appreciate in every bite.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

To your browned chickpeas, add the minced garlic along with ground paprika, cumin, and a touch of cinnamon. Cook for about a minute, allowing the spices to bloom and become aromatic. Stir in another tablespoon of olive oil and the tomato paste, cooking just a couple of minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color. Then add the tomato sauce, water, and the remaining salt. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat, and keep it warm while you finish the rest of the recipe.

Step 4: Combine and Roast the Skillet

Once your eggplant and bell pepper have roasted to perfection, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Transfer these roasted vegetables to the skillet with the chickpeas and tomato sauce, stirring gently to mix everything together. Place the skillet back in your oven and roast uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the top gets that lovely lightly browned finish. This final roasting melds all the flavors together and adds a comforting warmth that’s impossible not to love.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate with a thick base layer of stewed, soft chickpeas mixed with bright red cooked tomato pieces and dark brown grilled eggplant chunks. On top of this is a smooth, light beige dollop of hummus with a swirl of red sauce in the center and a few small pine nuts sprinkled on it. A piece of folded, brown grilled flatbread leans against the stewed mixture on one side. To the side of the plate are two lemon wedges, showing their bright yellow color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The garnishes are where this dish truly shines with fresh, bright notes and textural contrast. Dollop creamy hummus alongside or on top to add a luxurious smoothness. Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a refreshing herbal burst, and don’t forget toasted pine nuts for delightful crunch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens and balances the rich tomato sauce, while a drizzle of harissa can add a smoky heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish is super versatile for side pairings. Warm flatbread is a classic and delicious choice, perfect for scooping up the saucy goodness. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed grains such as couscous or quinoa to round out your meal with some extra fiber and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style centerpiece, serve the chickpea skillet right in the pan placed on the table alongside all garnish options. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with a swirl of hummus and a handful of pine nuts for an elegant presentation. Another fun idea is to stuff the roasted vegetables with some of the chickpea mixture before plating, creating beautiful stuffed halves that impress visually and taste divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by transferring the cooled skillet mixture into a freezer-safe container. It will keep its quality for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chickpea skillet gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and restore that just-cooked texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce and paste?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll want to simmer them longer to develop a rich sauce. Canned tomato products offer convenience and a deeper concentrated flavor that really works well here.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! The Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if served with gluten-free flatbread or enjoyed on its own.

Can I substitute other vegetables for eggplant or bell pepper?

Absolutely. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted cauliflower can work wonderfully; just ensure similar roasting times so your vegetables cook evenly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, the base recipe is vegan when you skip any optional garnishes containing dairy. It’s a fantastic plant-based meal option.

How spicy is this dish?

The original recipe has mild warmth from spices like paprika and cumin. Adding harissa as a garnish lets you control the heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that brings warmth and bold flavor to your table with very little fuss. Whether you’re looking for a meatless weeknight meal or a stunning dish to impress friends, this skillet hits all the right notes. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it will become one of your favorite kitchen staples that you’ll return to time and again.