Half-Measure Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming vegetarian stew made with half the usual amount of chickpeas, simmered in fragrant spices and fresh spinach. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, small (about 4 oz), 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas, 1 cup crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
  5. Step 5: Serve stew hot with 2 lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.

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 olive oil 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 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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