Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry

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

A quick, nutrient-packed stir fry combining tender chickpeas and fresh spinach with warming spices for an effortless vegetarian dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, canned chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 220 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. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 15 oz drained and rinsed canned chickpeas to the skillet along with 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until chickpeas are warmed through and lightly toasted.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 cups fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry?

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 Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry?

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 Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Simple Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stir Fry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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