Cumin-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, one-pot stew simmering tender chickpeas and fresh spinach in a fragrant tomato base, brightened by zested lemon and toasted cumin. Perfect for chilly evenings with crusty bread. This indian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed Chickpeas, packed Spinach, diced Tomatoes 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds until they pop and release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 3 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Step 7: Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then stir in 2 cups packed spinach and 1 tsp lemon zest. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest?

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 packed spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest?

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-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest 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-Scented Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Lemon Zest vegetarian?

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

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