One-Pot Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A hearty vegetarian stew simmered with chickpeas, fresh spinach, and warming spices, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 14 oz (1 can) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups cooked chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the stew for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the stew before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
