Vegan Tray Bake with Chickpeas, Roasted Vegetables, and Harissa: A Flavor-Packed, One-Pan Meal

This Vegan Tray Bake with Chickpeas, Roasted Vegetables, and Harissa is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the earthy flavors of chickpeas, the sweetness of roasted vegetables, and the fiery heat of harissa paste. This dish is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s not only flavorful but also healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.

In this plant-based twist, we’ve replaced halloumi cheese, which is traditionally used in the original recipe, with tofu. Tofu is a versatile, protein-packed vegan ingredient that soaks up flavors beautifully, making it a great alternative to cheese. With the addition of za’atar, a spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, this dish brings layers of complexity and warmth. Honey is replaced with maple syrup, offering the same sweet contrast to the spice, but in a vegan-friendly way.

This tray bake is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even for entertaining guests. All of the ingredients are roasted in one tray, which makes clean-up a breeze. Whether you are a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who enjoys delicious, hearty food, this dish is a winner.

Ingredients for Vegan Tray Bake with Chickpeas, Tofu, and Harissa:

  • 400g (14oz) Tin of Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (0 points)
  • 225g (8oz) Firm Tofu, pressed and cut into cubes (3 points)
  • 7-8 Mini Peppers (225g), sliced (0 points)
  • 200g Mini San Marzano Tomatoes, halved (0 points)
  • 1 Small Courgette (150g), sliced (0 points)
  • 1 Medium-Large Red Onion (200g), sliced (0 points)
  • 3 Tbsp Rose Harissa Paste (1 point)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (2 points)
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (0 points)
  • 20g (1 Tbsp) Maple Syrup (1 point)
  • ½ Tbsp Za’atar (0 points)
  • 1 Tsp Coarse Sea Salt (0 points)
  • Fresh Coriander, chopped, for garnish (0 points)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Weight Watchers Points:
    • SmartPoints: 8 per serving
    • Blue Points: 8 per serving
    • Green Points: 9 per serving
    • Purple Points: 8 per serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This high temperature ensures that the vegetables get a nice caramelization, which brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavors.

While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients. Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander, then lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or some paper towels to dry. This step helps the chickpeas crisp up during baking, giving them a lovely texture.

Next, cut the tofu into cubes. If you haven’t pressed your tofu yet, place it between two clean kitchen towels and place a heavy object on top (like a can or a cast-iron skillet) for 10-15 minutes. This removes excess moisture, ensuring your tofu gets crisp and golden when roasted. Once pressed, cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces.

Now, prepare the vegetables: slice the mini peppers, cut the courgette into rounds, and slice the red onion. Halve the San Marzano tomatoes to release their juices, which will help form a flavorful sauce as everything bakes together.

Step 2: Make the Harissa Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of rose harissa paste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 20g (1 tablespoon) maple syrup. The harissa paste is the key ingredient here—it’s a North African chili paste that adds a bold and spicy kick to the dish, while the maple syrup provides a gentle sweetness to balance the heat. The olive oil helps the sauce to coat all the ingredients evenly, while the lemon juice adds brightness and acidity.

Stir everything together to combine the ingredients into a smooth, well-blended sauce.

Step 3: Toss the Vegetables and Tofu in the Harissa Sauce

In a large bowl, add the chickpeas, cubed tofu, mini peppers, tomatoes, courgette, and red onion. Pour the harissa sauce over the top and toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the spicy, sweet marinade. The vegetables will soak up the harissa sauce as they roast, while the tofu will absorb the flavors and develop a slightly crispy exterior.

Step 4: Roast the Tray Bake

Spread the harissa-coated vegetables and tofu evenly on a large baking tray. Make sure the ingredients are in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon za’atar and 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt over the top. Za’atar is a Mediterranean spice blend that typically includes thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, contributing a herby, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the roasted vegetables and tofu.

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, golden brown, and slightly caramelized, and the tofu is crispy on the edges. Be sure to toss the vegetables and tofu halfway through the roasting time to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking to the tray.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is roasted to perfection, remove the tray from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander for a burst of freshness and color. The coriander adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the roasted vegetables and harissa.

Serve the tray bake hot, either on its own or paired with a simple side such as couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. This dish is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal, but you can also serve it alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, or pita bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Tray Bake:

  1. Tofu Tips: For a more crispy texture on the tofu, you can toss the cubed tofu in a small amount of cornstarch before adding it to the harissa sauce. This helps to achieve an extra-crispy crust while roasting.
  2. Veggie Variations: This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have available. Eggplant, sweet potatoes, or carrots would be excellent substitutes for the courgette, while cherry tomatoes can replace the San Marzano tomatoes. You can also add other hearty greens such as kale or spinach to the tray bake during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
  3. Make it Spicier: If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra chili flakes to the harissa sauce or toss some sliced fresh chilies in with the vegetables before roasting.
  4. Meal Prep: This tray bake is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
  5. Add a Protein Boost: If you want to increase the protein content of this dish, consider adding some cooked quinoa or lentils on the side. These plant-based proteins pair beautifully with the chickpeas and tofu.
  6. Serving Suggestions: For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, pair this tray bake with a side of tzatziki or vegan yogurt for a creamy contrast to the spicy harissa. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or some warm, fluffy pita bread.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Tray Bake

This Vegan Tray Bake with Chickpeas, Tofu, and Harissa is not just a quick and easy dinner option; it’s also a delicious and satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. The roasted vegetables provide a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness, while the tofu absorbs the spicy harissa sauce, creating a rich, flavorful bite in every mouthful.

By using ingredients that are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, this dish ensures that you feel full and satisfied long after eating. The combination of chickpeas and tofu provides a plant-based protein punch, while the roasted vegetables and herbs make every bite enjoyable. Plus, the one-pan method means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

This recipe also reflects the versatility of Mediterranean cuisine, which is known for being both wholesome and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that bursts with the vibrant flavors of North Africa and the Middle East. The bold, spicy harissa combined with the richness of the roasted vegetables makes this tray bake a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking to meal prep, cook for your family, or impress guests, this Vegan Tray Bake with Chickpeas, Tofu, and Harissa is a dish that fits any occasion.