Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty, aromatic stew with crispy chickpeas and wilted spinach, simmered in a warming cumin-infused tomato broth. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs tomato paste, chicken broth, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 5 oz, fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 1 minute until darkened. Add broth and chickpeas, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broth thickens slightly. Add lemon juice and 1/4 cup water if too thick.
- Step 4: Stir in spinach until wilted (about 1 minute), then adjust seasoning with salt and extra lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew 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 Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew?
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 tomato paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew?
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 Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew 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 Cumin-Crisped Chickpea and Spinach Stew 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So hearty and easy after a long day. Stored well for lunches too.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my picky-eater son—now he requests it weekly! The cumin depth is perfect without overpowering.
- ★★★★★
The cumin crisped chickpeas gave such a lovely texture against the creamy spinach base—my family asked for seconds!
