Baked Gnocchi with Beets, Chickpeas, and Feta

After traveling this weekend and going for a long run on Sunday evening (I'm training for the Stinson Beach 25K trail race on November 13, http://www.pctrailruns.com/) I came up with this dish from the ingredients we had around the house and they worked together wonderfully. I had a combination of golden and red beets, but would suggest using all golden beets to avoid this turning a pink color when you dish it up - although we enjoyed it regardless. This is an easy recipe that only calls for a few ingredients and is both healthy and filling at the same time.

Baked Gnocchi with Beets, Chickpeas, and Feta
Serves 4

Extra virgin olive oil
16 oz. gnocchi (I used pre-made gnocchi, but if you want to make your own, go for it!)
1 lb. beets (see note above, I would suggest golden beets), peeled and cut into 3/4'' to 1'' chunks
15 oz. can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz. feta
1 c. vegetable stock/broth
1/2 lemon
Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the peeled and cut beets with 1 t. olive oil and place in a large oval gratin dish or other large baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, drain and rinse the chickpeas and set aside. Heat 1 t. olive oil in a large skillet. Add the gnocchi and saute until lightly golden, about 6 minutes. Set aside.

Remove the dish with the beets from the oven and add the chickpeas and gnocchi to the pan. Pour the 1 c. vegetable broth over the dish. Crumble the feta over the mixture. Squeeze the 1/2 lemon over the dish, then drizzle 1 T. olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle 1/4 t. black pepper over the dish, and put back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Spoon into pasta bowls or plates and serve.