Imagine a hearty, soul-warming dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East with just one spoonful. This vegan chickpea spinach stew is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds, nourish your body, and leave you craving more. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, nutrient-dense spinach, and a symphony of aromatic spices, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that proves plant-based eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas (drained), 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 cups of vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a large pot or saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and paprika, stirring to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the drained chickpeas to the pot, stirring to combine them with the broth and spices. Allow the stew to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- After 10 minutes, add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the chickpea spinach stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over cooked grains for a complete meal.
Tips
- Maximize Flavor: Toast your spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth and aroma.
- Texture Matters: For a creamier stew, mash some chickpeas against the side of the pot while cooking.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variety.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so make extra for quick lunches.
- Boost Protein: Add a handful of quinoa or brown rice to make the meal more filling.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of vegan yogurt can elevate the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
