One-Pot Savory Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty, wholesome stew combining tender chickpeas with fresh spinach and aromatic spices, perfect for a nourishing vegetarian meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) 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 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 5 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp 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, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until spices bloom and become aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Step 4: Let the stew gently simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Fold in 5 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and finish with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Stir and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Savory 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 Savory 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 One-Pot Savory 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 Savory 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 Savory Chickpea and Spinach Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The flavors are amazing and it's so easy to make.
- ★★★★★
This stew is a family favorite! Even my picky eater loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but took a bit longer than expected to get the spinach wilted.
