Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew
A vibrant and nutrient-packed chickpea stew infused with warming spices and fresh spinach, perfect for a cozy vegetarian meal. This Mediterranean-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, fresh spinach, yellow onion 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups drained canned chickpeas
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Mix well and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced 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 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 canned chickpeas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew 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.
