There’s a certain comfort that envelops the kitchen when the scent of sautéing onions and garlic dances through the air. It’s these simple moments that inspire countless delightful meals, and that’s exactly what my Chickpea Spinach Stew embodies—a hearty, flavorful hug in a bowl.
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those chilly evenings when takeout just wouldn’t cut it. Fresh ingredients like spinach and chickpeas create a nourishing dish that even the busiest of weekdays can accommodate, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking to spice up their usual routine.
As I ladle this vibrant stew into bowls, I can’t help but think about how it brings a sense of warmth and togetherness, perfect for sharing with family or relishing solo after a long day. So, let’s dive into this effortlessly delicious recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Chickpea Spinach Stew
- This Chickpea Spinach Stew is incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip it up in just 30 minutes without any fuss.
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
- Its versatility means you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or add other vegetables you have on hand.
- Not only is it visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will impress both family and friends alike.
Chickpea Spinach Stew Ingredients
Discover what makes this dish a delightful choice!
For the Stew
- Chickpeas – a great source of plant-based protein that adds heartiness to the stew.
- Fresh Spinach – using fresh spinach imparts a vibrant color and essential nutrients.
- Onion – the base flavor that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
- Garlic – enhances the aromatic depth, offering a savory punch to the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes – adds acidity and sweetness, creating a rich sauce for the stew.
- Vegetable Broth – the foundation of the stew, providing moisture and flavor.
For the Seasoning
- Cumin – introduces a warm, earthy taste that pairs perfectly with chickpeas.
- Paprika – adds a hint of smokiness and color, brightening the overall flavor profile.
- Salt – essential for enhancing all the flavors in the Chickpea Spinach Stew.
- Pepper – a simple way to add a touch of warmth and spice to the dish.
How to Make Chickpea Spinach Stew
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Heat a large pot over medium heat. This will help you build a foundation of flavor that sets the stage for the stew.
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Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Their sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a welcoming atmosphere while building depth in your dish.
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Add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, letting the flavors combine for about 2 minutes, until the tomatoes break down slightly.
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Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. This crucial step helps infuse the stew with all the wonderful flavors you’ve added so far.
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Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and hearty broth that’s oh-so-satisfying.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. The vibrant green will brighten your stew and add a fresh, nutritious touch.
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Serve hot in bowls, garnished if desired. The warm, inviting colors of your Chickpea Spinach Stew will make it hard for everyone to resist!
Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Chickpea Spinach Stew in advance is a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights! You can chop onions and garlic, and even rinse your chickpeas up to 3 days in advance—store them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can assemble the base of the stew (step 3) without the spinach, refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. When ready to enjoy, simply heat the prepared base, add vegetable broth (step 4), and finish by incorporating the spinach, which cooks quickly and retains its vibrant color. This method ensures you can enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Chickpea Spinach Stew
Fridge: Store your Chickpea Spinach Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for quick weekday meals.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space in the containers for expansion.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the stew overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it appears too thick.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the stew out for more than 2 hours. If it’s not consumed right away, promptly refrigerate it to maintain freshness.
Chickpea Spinach Stew Variations
Get ready to make this delightful stew uniquely yours with these fun and flavorful options!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a zesty heat that elevates the entire dish! A little spice can change your stew from comforting to exciting!
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Creamy Dream: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving for a luscious richness. It complements the spices beautifully, creating a velvety texture that soothes the soul.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro at the end for a burst of freshness. This simple addition brightens the stew with vibrant flavors and lovely aromas.
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Protein Boost: Include diced tofu, cooked lentils, or shredded chicken to elevate the protein content. This simple twist transforms the dish into a heartier meal that fills you up and fuels your day!
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Veggie Loaded: Toss in some chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it even more colorful and nutritious. More veggies mean more flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to clean out your fridge!
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Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving lifts the flavors and adds brightness that balances the stew’s richness. The zing brings everything together wonderfully!
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Grain Upgrade: Serve the stew over a bed of quinoa, rice, or farro for added texture and substance. This gives you a delightful chewiness to complement the tender chickpeas and spinach!
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Savory Swaps: Replace vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth for a deeper flavor profile. This twist creates a more robust stew that appeals to meat lovers while maintaining the original charm!
What to Serve with Chickpea Spinach Stew?
Looking to create a comforting meal that dazzles the senses?
- Crusty Bread: Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside, crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the hearty stew.
- Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon adds a refreshing contrast to the warm stew. The lightness complements the richness beautifully.
- Garlic Naan: This soft, warm bread adds a delightful touch of flavor and texture, making every bite of stew even more enjoyable.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets provide a crunchy texture and playful earthiness that harmonizes with the savory elements of the stew.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, protein-packed quinoa pilaf brings a delightful chewiness, enhancing the overall meal experience with its wholesome heartiness.
- Spiced Lentil Soup: If you love warming up with soup, a light spiced lentil soup is a great pairing. Its subtle spices echo the flavors in the Chickpea Spinach Stew.
- Lemonade: A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade cuts through the warmth of the stew with its zesty brightness. This drink complements the meal perfectly!
- Dark Chocolate Brownies: For dessert, indulgent brownie bites offer a rich, satisfying finish. The sweetness balances out the savory stew, creating a memorable meal.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Chickpea Spinach Stew, always sauté the onion and garlic until they’re golden to enhance their flavors before adding other ingredients.
- When using canned chickpeas, be sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium and improve texture in the stew.
- To achieve a more robust flavor, consider simmering the stew slightly longer than the recommended 15 minutes, allowing the spices to fully develop.
- Lastly, adding fresh spinach at the end ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing both the appearance and health benefits of your dish.
Chickpea Spinach Stew Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chickpeas?
Absolutely! When selecting chickpeas, look for canned varieties that are low in sodium and have no added preservatives. If you prefer dried chickpeas, make sure they are free of cracks and dark spots. Soaking them for at least 8 hours before cooking will help them cook evenly.
How should I store the Chickpea Spinach Stew?
To keep your Chickpea Spinach Stew fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy tasty leftovers while maintaining flavor. If you’re hoping to savor it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Chickpea Spinach Stew?
Absolutely! To freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to portion-sized airtight containers. Make sure to leave a bit of space in each container for the stew to expand as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the stew in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove, stirring in a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
What should I do if my stew is too thick?
Very! If your Chickpea Spinach Stew turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a little vegetable broth or water while reheating. Stir well until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help return the stew to the hearty, comforting dish it’s meant to be!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! This Chickpea Spinach Stew is naturally vegan and gluten-free. However, if you’re cooking for someone with allergies, always check for any specific ingredients they might be sensitive to, like garlic or certain spices. For those with pets, keep the stew away, as ingredients like garlic can be harmful to cats and dogs.
Can I customize the ingredients in Chickpea Spinach Stew?
Absolutely! One of the lovely aspects of this stew is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots or zucchini, add herbs like thyme or basil, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The more, the merrier! Enjoy experimenting to find your perfect blend.
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 1 can Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth
For the Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished if desired.
