Garlic-Rubbed Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty, rustic Spanish stew combining tender chickpeas with vibrant spinach and a rich garlic-tomato base, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. This spanish-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, large yellow onion, diced 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 large diced yellow onion, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups cooked chickpeas, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add 5 cups fresh spinach leaves, stirring gently until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and finish with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving with crusty bread or rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Rubbed Spanish 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 Garlic-Rubbed Spanish 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Rubbed Spanish 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 Garlic-Rubbed Spanish 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 Garlic-Rubbed Spanish 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.
Related recipes
Slow-Simmered Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Slow-Cooked Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Tomato and Feta
Slow-Cooked Greek Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Tomato and Herbs
Slow-Simmered Greek Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Slow-Cooked Spanish Chickpea and Tomato Stew
Baked Spanish-Style Chickpea and Spinach Stew
