Stovetop Garlicky Chickpea and Spinach Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

A hearty vegetarian stew combining tender chickpeas, fresh spinach, and bold garlic flavors, perfect for a comforting meal. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs canned chickpeas, fresh spinach, olive oil 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 and rinsed canned chickpeas
• 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas and 1 cup crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Add 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well and serve warm.