Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs washed and chopped fresh spinach leaves, large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Alfama-Inspired Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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