Stovetop Mediterranean Chickpea and Spinach Stew

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

A hearty and wholesome stew combining tender chickpeas, fresh spinach, and bright Mediterranean spices for a comforting vegetarian meal. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and is tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the stew. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Mediterranean 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 Stovetop Mediterranean 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Mediterranean 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 Stovetop Mediterranean 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 Stovetop Mediterranean 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.

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