Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika
A deeply flavorful vegan stew combining tender chickpeas and fresh spinach with smoky paprika for a dish that invites quiet contemplation. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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 cups, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups packed, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin; cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes with juices, and 2 cups vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and broth to slightly thicken.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the stew before serving with warm crusty bread or over rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Meditative Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Smoked Paprika 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.
