Skillet-Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew

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

A hearty vegetarian stew featuring earthy chickpeas and fresh spinach simmered in a warm blend of aromatic spices. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 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 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until spices bloom and become aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and 1 cup vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the stew.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet-Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Skillet-Spiced 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 Skillet-Spiced 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 Skillet-Spiced 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 Skillet-Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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