Embark on a culinary journey with this Spinach and Chickpea Stew, a heartwarming dish that combines the rich textures of chickpeas with the fresh, earthy flavors of spinach. Infused with aromatic spices and simmered to perfection, this stew is a celebration of simplicity, nutrition, and taste. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week, it can be enjoyed on its own or as a hearty side dish. Packed with protein and flavor, this versatile stew brings warmth and nourishment to your table, making it a go-to recipe for cozy and satisfying meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 1 large onion diced, for a sweet base
- 2 cloves garlic minced, for aromatic depth
- 1 tsp ground cumin for warmth and earthiness
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a spicy kick
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed, for protein-packed heartiness
- 1 can diced tomatoes for tangy richness
- 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, for nutrient-packed greenery
- 2 cups vegetable broth for simmering and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning
- Lemon wedges for serving, to add brightness
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes: Mix in the chickpeas and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are slightly reduced.
- Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot, stirring until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated into the stew.
- Season and Serve: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- Lemon is Key: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the earthiness of the stew.
- Experiment with Greens: While spinach is a classic choice, you can also try kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens for variation in texture and taste.
- Use Dried Chickpeas: For an even more flavorful stew, consider using dried chickpeas that you’ve soaked and cooked yourself. They tend to have a firmer texture and a more pronounced taste than canned chickpeas.
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