Half-Measure Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A warming vegetarian stew combining spiced chickpeas with fresh spinach, cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a half measure of spices for balanced flavor. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh spinach, medium, diced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Serve warm with rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Measure Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Half-Measure 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 fresh spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Measure 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 Half-Measure Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Half-Measure Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
