Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew

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

A vibrant vegetarian stew featuring tender chickpeas simmered with berbere and fresh spinach, offering a comforting and nutritious meal. This ethiopian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, fresh spinach, yellow 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.

★ 4.0 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 1/2 tbsp berbere spice, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add 2 cups drained chickpeas and 2 cups vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Let the stew simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Add 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving with warm flatbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced 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 canned chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced 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.

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