Welcome to a cozy bowl of goodness! My Chickpea Spinach Stew is everything you need on a chilly evening—hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Seriously, this stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and vibrant spinach, it’s a fantastic way to nourish your body while indulging your taste buds. The combination of spices, like cumin and paprika, adds a delightful warmth that makes every spoonful a comforting experience. Plus, it’s vegan and can be whipped up in just about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this Chickpea Spinach Stew, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chickpea Spinach Stew
- First, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. You want it nice and warm to get things sizzling!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Wow, the smell is already amazing, right?
- Next, toss in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, the drained chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the veggies and chickpeas evenly.
- Now, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the magic happens!
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll want to give it a stir occasionally, just to keep things moving.
- After simmering, it’s time to add the fresh spinach. Fold it into the stew and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s wilted and vibrant. Just look at that color!
- Finally, serve your warm, hearty stew hot. You can’t go wrong here; it’s ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This Chickpea Spinach Stew is so satisfying, it’s perfect as a main course. You’ll feel full and content after just one bowl!
- Nutrient-Packed: With protein-rich chickpeas and fresh spinach, this stew is loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without a lot of fuss.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices like cumin and paprika adds a warm, comforting depth that makes every bite a delight.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors to your liking by adding your favorite spices or vegetables—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
- Vegan and Healthy: It’s completely plant-based, making it a great choice for vegans or anyone looking to incorporate more healthy meals into their diet.
- Perfect Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day! It’s great for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers for lunch.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Chickpea Spinach Stew turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips!
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach when you can! It really elevates the flavor and texture of the stew. If you have leftover spinach, don’t hesitate to toss it in—it’ll wilt beautifully.
- Customize Your Spices: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. You can also play around with herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra flavor boost!
- Simmer Longer: If you have the time, let the stew simmer a bit longer than the 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together even more. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels; add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.
- Blend for Creaminess: For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the stew with an immersion blender. Just a quick whizz will make it rich and velvety without losing that hearty feel.
- Serve with a Twist: Don’t skip the finishing touches! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors and adds a lovely zing. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Make Ahead: This stew is fantastic for meal prep! Make a big batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove for a quick meal.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Chickpea Spinach Stew, you’re in luck! There are so many fun ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or use up what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Leafy Greens: Swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard. They’ll bring a different texture and flavor to the stew. Just be sure to chop them up before adding!
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them in with the onions to get them nice and soft.
- Spice it Up: If you crave a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a more aromatic twist, try adding a dash of curry powder or garam masala!
- Coconut Cream: For a creamy, tropical twist, stir in a can of coconut milk instead of vegetable broth. It’ll add a lovely richness and a hint of sweetness.
- Protein Boost: Want to amp up the protein even more? Add in some diced tofu or tempeh along with the chickpeas. Just sauté them for a bit until they’re golden before adding the broth.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavor. Stir them in right before serving for a pop of freshness. You can even add in some fresh basil for an Italian flair!
The beauty of this Chickpea Spinach Stew is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to experiment! You really can’t go wrong with what you throw in. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Chickpea Spinach Stew ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Crusty Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty baguette or some freshly baked sourdough. Use it to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth—yum!
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the hearty stew. It adds a nice crunch and balances the richness beautifully.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. They soak up the flavors and make each bite even more satisfying.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair your stew with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables. The caramelized flavors will complement the stew perfectly and add a colorful touch to your plate.
- Avocado Slices: A few slices of creamy avocado on top of your stew can add an extra layer of richness. Plus, they’re super nutritious!
Whatever you choose to serve with your Chickpea Spinach Stew, just know that it’s bound to be a hit! Enjoy your meal and the warm, cozy vibes it brings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chickpea Spinach Stew keeps wonderfully, and I’m here to help you store it right so it stays just as delicious for your next meal.
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to lock in those flavors!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stew! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, let’s talk about reheating. You want to warm it up without losing that lovely taste!
- On the Stove: This is my favorite method! Pour the desired amount of stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it looks a bit thick.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave! Just transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it (but don’t seal it completely), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot.
And there you have it! Your Chickpea Spinach Stew will be just as hearty and flavorful on day two (or three, or four!) as it was when you first made it. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Chickpea Spinach Stew, knowing its nutritional benefits can make every bite even more satisfying! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about 1 cup. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good sense of how wholesome this dish really is:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This stew is not just delicious but also a fantastic way to fuel your body with healthy nutrients. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This Chickpea Spinach Stew actually gets better over time as the flavors deepen. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle reheat on the stove before serving.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, you can easily substitute them with white beans or lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary depending on what you choose!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them at the same time as the onion to ensure they get soft and delicious.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes! My Chickpea Spinach Stew is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your vegetable broth to ensure it’s gluten-free too!
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re craving some heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or even some red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level to your liking for the perfect kick!
Chickpea Spinach Stew: 7 Reasons to Love This Comforting Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and nutritious chickpea spinach stew packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Can substitute kale for spinach.
- Add more spices for extra flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chickpea Spinach Stew