One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty, nutritious stew combining chickpeas, fresh spinach, and Mediterranean spices simmered to perfection in one pot. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin 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 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked or canned, drained and rinsed chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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 softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups cooked chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook for 3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Mediterranean 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 One-Pot Mediterranean 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 One-Pot Mediterranean 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 One-Pot Mediterranean 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 One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to recipe. So simple and packed with flavor. Even my kids eat it!
- ★★★★★
Made this for my vegan friends and they were amazed. So flavorful and comforting!
- ★★★★★
My family loved this stew! It's so easy and healthy. The Mediterranean flavors are perfect.








