Chickpea and Spinach Stew

$- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced Chickpeas are the star of this dish. They add protein and fiber. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrients. Onions and garlic add a savory base that makes the stew flavorful. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric Spices make this stew special. Ground cumin adds earthiness. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth and warmth. Turmeric not only adds color but also health benefits. - 3 cups vegetable broth - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon) You can use vegetable broth for more flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the stew and enhances the flavors. For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe to see how everything comes together. Sautéing Onion and Garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes. You want it soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stir. This adds a burst of flavor. Adding Spices Now, sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Stir these spices in for about one minute. This step wakes up the spices and fills your kitchen with amazing smells. Incorporating Tomatoes Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together. Let this mix simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This brings the flavors together. Adding Chickpeas and Broth Next, add the drained chickpeas and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat until it boils. Once it boils, reduce to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps the stew thicken and the flavors deepen. Folding in Spinach Now, fold in the chopped spinach. Let it wilt for about 2 to 3 minutes. This makes the stew vibrant and adds nutrition. Seasoning the Stew Taste your stew and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Adjust these to your liking. This final touch brightens the dish. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Enjoy every spoonful! Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes add depth. The taste is brighter and more vibrant. Adjusting seasoning levels is key too. Start with less salt and pepper. You can always add more later. A squeeze of lemon juice boosts the stew's flavor. It brings out the natural sweetness of the chickpeas. Use a heavy pot for cooking your stew. A Dutch oven works best. It holds heat well and cooks evenly. Stir the stew gently as it cooks. This helps all the flavors mix together. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. This prevents sticking and burning. A wooden spoon is perfect for this task. Serve your stew in deep bowls. This keeps it warm and inviting. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for color. It also adds a fresh taste. A wedge of lemon on the side is great too. It gives a nice zing when squeezed over the stew. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping. You can find the full recipe linked above for more tips on making this dish! {{image_4}} You can add chicken or tofu to this stew for extra protein. If you choose chicken, cook it in the pot before adding other ingredients. Cut it into small pieces for even cooking. For tofu, use firm tofu. Cut it into cubes and sauté it until golden. Then add it to the stew. You can also use other legumes. Black beans or lentils work great in this stew. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use lentils. They cook faster than chickpeas. To make this stew vegan, simply skip any chicken or dairy. The recipe is already gluten-free. Use gluten-free broth if needed. Check your spices for hidden gluten. You can adjust ingredients for different flavors. Try adding coconut milk for creaminess. It gives a nice twist to the taste. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a different zing. Incorporate other vegetables based on the season. Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can add color and taste. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot early on. You can also adapt the spices to match the season. In winter, add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. In summer, try fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These changes make the stew fun and exciting throughout the year. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. For leftover chickpea and spinach stew, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store the stew in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to reheat it, pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over medium heat until it’s hot. Stir it often to warm it evenly. You can freeze the stew for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because the stew will expand when frozen. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to stir it halfway through. The shelf life of this stew is quite good. In the fridge, it lasts for about four days. If you freeze it, you can enjoy it for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Proper storage keeps your chickpea and spinach stew tasty and safe! Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. They add great flavor and texture. However, you need to cook them first. Soak them overnight in water. Then, boil them until they are soft. This can take about 1 to 2 hours. Adjust the cooking time in the stew recipe. To add spice, try using red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, then taste. If you want more heat, add more. Another option is to use spicy paprika instead of smoked paprika. This gives a nice kick. This stew goes well with crusty bread. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa. A light salad works well too. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad. It adds freshness to your meal. The total cooking time is about 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. This is quick for a hearty meal. You can easily fit it into a busy day. This blog post covered key ingredients, instructions, tips, and variations for Chickpea and Spinach Stew. You learned how fresh ingredients and spices make the dish shine. Simple steps help you create a warm, tasty meal every time. Plus, we explored ways to customize the stew to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and try different sides for serving. Enjoy making this dish as a comforting staple in your kitchen. Your journey with cooking can be fun and rewarding!$

Warm up with this delicious Hearty Chickpea and Spinach Stew that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients! Packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices, this easy recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dish that’s great for sharing. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for delightful presentation!

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Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Optional: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Incorporate the minced garlic along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric into the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices release their aromatic fragrances.

Gradually pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, stirring to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors start to meld.

Next, add the drained chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot, stirring well. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken and the flavors to deepen.

Finally, fold in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt into the stew for about 2-3 minutes. Taste and season the stew with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance and brighten the overall flavor profile.

Before serving, taste once more and adjust seasoning as needed for your desired taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Ladle the stew into deep bowls and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color. Add a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing. This hearty stew pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience. Enjoy!