Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-11 · Updated 2026-06-11

A hearty vegetarian stew rich in smoky spices and fresh greens, capturing the rustic charm of Alfama’s traditional home cooking. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, fresh spinach leaves, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 6 cups, washed and chopped fresh spinach leaves
• 1 large, diced onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed chickpeas and 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Add 6 cups chopped fresh spinach leaves, stirring until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and finish by stirring in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.
5. Step 5: Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice to enjoy a taste of Alfama’s comforting vegetarian fare.