Introduction: This Vegan Cabbage and Chickpea Pie is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for a hearty meal. Made with tender cabbage, protein-packed chickpeas, and a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, it’s deliciously satisfying and ideal for sharing. Wrapped in a flaky vegan pastry crust, this pie is a great option for family dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Vegan Pastry Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup vegan butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup ice water, plus more if needed

For Brushing:

  • 2 tablespoons plant-based milk, for brushing the crust

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Cut in the Vegan Butter:
    • Add the cubed vegan butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Water:
    • Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Cabbage and Carrot:
    • Stir in the sliced cabbage and grated carrot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
  4. Add Chickpeas and Seasoning:
    • Add the chickpeas, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Add Nutritional Yeast and Lemon Juice:
    • If using, add the nutritional yeast and lemon juice for extra flavor. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Add the Filling:
    • Place the dough into the pie dish and trim any excess hanging over the edges. Spoon the cabbage and chickpea filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
  4. Cover the Pie:
    • Roll out any remaining dough and place it on top of the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, or create a decorative pattern if you like. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  5. Brush with Plant-Based Milk:
    • Brush the top of the pie with plant-based milk for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Bake:
    • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
  2. Cool Slightly:
    • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this pie warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • It pairs well with vegan gravy or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream on the side.

Tips and Variations:

  1. Add More Veggies: Try adding diced potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.
  2. Use Store-Bought Vegan Pastry: To save time, you can use a store-bought vegan pie crust.
  3. Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this pie gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 6 Servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Net Carbs: 32g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 15g

WW SmartPoints (Per Serving):

Each serving has approximately 6 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program, depending on specific ingredients used.

This Vegan Cabbage and Chickpea Pie is a cozy, savory dish with layers of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for winter meals and brings a warm, hearty vibe to the table. Enjoy every slice