Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin

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

A vibrant and nutritious stir fry featuring tender spinach and hearty chickpeas, infused with aromatic garlic and cumin. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs fresh spinach, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp ground cumin, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup drained and rinsed canned chickpeas to the skillet, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes until chickpeas are warmed through and slightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 cups fresh spinach in batches, stirring and allowing it to wilt down before adding the next batch, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until all spinach is tender and bright green.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and finish by stirring in 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin?

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 fresh spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin?

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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin 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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry with Garlic and Cumin 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.

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