Warm, comforting, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavor — this Baked Feta with Kale, Chickpeas & Marinara is the kind of dish that nourishes both body and soul.
Protein-rich chickpeas, mineral-packed kale, and creamy feta come together in a savory marinara base, spiced with cumin and garlic for a cozy, flavorful twist. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon brighten every bite, while red pepper flakes add just the right hint of heat.
Enjoy this dish as a satisfying vegetarian entrée or pair it with crusty sourdough for a balanced, fiber-rich meal that supports blood sugar balance and hormone health. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner — yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
12 ounces Feta Cheese (block, sliced into 1/2 inch wedges)
1/2 cup Water
1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
3 tbsps Basil Leaves (chopped)
1 Lemon (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 F
Heat a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add the cumin seeds, allowing them to cook for 1 minute while stirring frequently.
Add the kale and garlic, cooking until it wilts and the garlic if fragrant.
Add the marinara sauce, chickpeas, lemon juice, water, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing to cook for about five minutes. Then, nest the feta chunks into the sauce.
Transfer the pan into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the feta is soft. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving with lemon wedges.
Jennifer Nicole Bianchini is a sought-after Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Registered Yoga Teacher specialized in integrative and functional nutrition & mindfulness. Her expertise encompasses comprehensive holistic lifestyle practices, extending beyond nutrition and yoga therapy. Drawing from her personal experiences with hormonal changes & gut health concerns, she empathizes deeply with her clients, creating tailored solutions that focus on physical, emotional, and environmental factors. She approaches her clients as whole individuals, nurturing their inner health and self-care.
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