One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa

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

A warming stew rich with chickpeas, vibrant spinach, and a smoky harissa sauce, all cooked together in one pot for an easy, wholesome meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 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 pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp harissa paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and the oil is infused with spice.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa 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 One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa?

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 One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa?

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 One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa 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 One-Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Harissa 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.

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