why make this recipe
Spinach stew is a healthy and delicious dish that is packed with nutrients. It’s an easy way to enjoy the goodness of spinach along with the protein from chickpeas. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a comforting meal on a cold day. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes
Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:
how to make Spinach Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g each can) or 3 cups / 480 g cooked chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted – substitute with shaved almonds or pistachios)
Directions
-
Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pot. Add 1 large chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add 4 cloves of grated garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
-
Add main ingredients: Stir in 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually add 1 pound of spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt before adding more.
-
Simmer: Cover the pot loosely and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
-
Finish and serve: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve warm. You can top it with 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts, yogurt, or enjoy it with rice or bread.
how to serve Spinach Stew
Spinach stew is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread or rice. Adding a dollop of yogurt on top can also enhance the flavors and provide a creamy texture. Garnish it with toasted pine nuts or your choice of nuts for extra crunch.
how to store Spinach Stew
If you have leftovers, store the spinach stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Spinach Stew
- If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the chickpeas with a fork before adding them to the pot.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
variation
You can make this stew even heartier by adding grains like quinoa or barley. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegan version, this recipe is already vegan-friendly, just be sure to skip the yogurt topping or use a plant-based alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before using.
2. What if I don’t have chickpeas?
You can substitute chickpeas with lentils or other beans like black beans or kidney beans.
3. Can I add meat to this stew?
Certainly! Cooked chicken or sausage can be added for a non-vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Is this stew healthy?
Absolutely! Spinach is full of vitamins, and chickpeas provide protein and fiber, making this stew a nutritious choice.
5. How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end can brighten the dish. You can also squeeze additional lemon juice for a fresh taste.
Spinach Stew
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious one-pot spinach stew loaded with nutrients and protein from chickpeas, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g each), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pot. Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Then add 4 cloves of grated garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander; cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 cans of chickpeas, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually add 1 pound of spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt before adding more.
- Cover the pot loosely and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and serve warm, garnished with 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts, yogurt, or with rice or bread.
Notes
For a thicker stew, mash some chickpeas with a fork before adding them. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach stew, vegetarian stew, healthy recipe, chickpeas, easy dinner