Evergreen High Protein Bake (Printable)
Nourishing bake combining spinach, kale, chickpeas, and cheeses for a nutritious meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 7 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
02 - 3.5 oz kale, stemmed and chopped
03 - 1 small broccoli head, cut into small florets
04 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Protein
06 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 5.3 oz cottage cheese
09 - 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
10 - 1.4 oz rolled oats (gluten-free if required)
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
12 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - ½ teaspoon salt
14 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
15 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
16 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
→ Other
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
18 - 0.7 oz grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish with olive oil.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add spinach, kale, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook while stirring for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are wilted and slightly softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Incorporate cottage cheese, feta, rolled oats, chickpeas, and all spices including cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, and chili flakes.
05 - Fold the cooled vegetable mixture into the egg and cheese blend, mixing gently until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the surface, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
07 - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
08 - Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This bake sneaks in so many nutrients without ever feeling heavy, like sharing a secret with a close friend about staying healthy without sacrificing flavor
- The combination of creamy cheeses and hearty veggies quickly became a favorite since it's perfect for lunch or dinner and keeps well for leftovers
02 -
- Don't rush the sautéing of onions and garlic; their fragrant base really elevates the final bake.
- Letting the mixture rest after baking makes slicing cleaner and improves the texture.
03 -
- Be sure to chop the greens roughly but not too finely to keep a great texture
- Draining the chickpeas well prevents excess moisture making the bake soggy