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Eggplant chickpea skillet with roasted eggplant slices and chickpeas simmered in tomato sauce
Dreena Grace Burthon

Fast Eggplant Chickpea Skillet

A simple eggplant and chickpea skillet made in one pan. Filling, steady, and easy to make on busy nights without overthinking dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 large eggplant cut into chunks
  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh
  • 1 tsp cumin optional
  • 1/2 tsp paprika optional
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet Heavy pan works best
  • 1 Cutting board Any size
  • 1 Knife Sharp helps with eggplant
  • 1 Spoon or Spatula For stirring

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Let the pan get properly hot before adding anything.
  2. Add the eggplant in a single layer. Leave it alone for a few minutes so it can brown. Stir only when it starts to take on color.
  3. Add the chopped onion. Cook until it softens and everything smells better, about a few minutes.
  4. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook briefly, just until the garlic stops smelling raw.
  5. Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and let everything cook together until heated through and slightly thickened.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust if needed, then turn off the heat and serve.

Notes

  • Eggplant needs space. If the pan feels crowded, cook it in batches or it will go soft fast.
  • Do not rush the browning step. Let the eggplant sit before stirring or the texture will suffer.
  • Oil can be adjusted. Less works, but the dish will feel drier.
  • This tastes better after it rests for a few minutes off the heat.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days and reheat without falling apart.
  • Flavor improves overnight, even though the texture softens slightly.