Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach

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

A quick and healthy skillet dish of chickpeas sautéed with garlic, cumin, and fresh spinach, perfect as a side or light meal. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 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 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and 3/4 tsp salt, stirring to coat and cook for 4 minutes until chickpeas are warmed through and slightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups fresh spinach and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring continuously until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach?

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 Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Garlic and Cumin Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach 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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