![Chickpeas are the heart of this dish. They bring protein and fiber, making the stew hearty. You can use canned chickpeas for quick prep. Fresh spinach adds bright color and vital nutrients. It wilts down, blending well with the stew's rich flavors. Diced tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy base, adding depth to the stew. Ground cumin brings a warm, earthy note. It pairs well with the robust flavors of the chickpeas. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness, enhancing the stew's aroma. Cayenne pepper gives a kick of heat. You can adjust this spice based on your heat tolerance. Olive oil is great for sautéing the onion and garlic. It adds a rich flavor to the base. Vegetable broth is key for moisture and depth. Use a low-sodium version for better control of salt. Onion and garlic create a fragrant foundation. They release their flavors when cooked, making every bite delicious. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Heating the Olive Oil Start by taking a large pot and placing it over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and wait for it to warm up. The oil should shimmer a bit, which means it’s ready for cooking. Cooking Onion and Garlic Next, add 1 finely chopped onion to the pot. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a great base for flavor. Now, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. You want the garlic to smell nice but not burn. Toasting Spices After the onion and garlic are ready, it’s time to add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir these spices in for about 30 seconds. This toasting will help bring out their flavors, making the stew extra tasty. Adding Tomatoes and Broth Now, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will take just a few minutes. The stew will start to bubble and smell amazing! Adding Chickpeas and Simmering Once your mixture is simmering, add 1 can of chickpeas that you’ve drained and rinsed. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to mix well and makes the chickpeas warm and soft. Stirring in Spinach Finally, stir in 4 cups of washed and chopped fresh spinach. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This will add a nice pop of color and nutrients to your stew. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your spicy chickpea and spinach stew hot. For a zesty touch, add fresh lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy this flavorful comfort food! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. - Adjusting Spices to Taste: Spice levels can change based on your taste. Start with less cayenne pepper. You can always add more later. Enjoy the heat that works for you! - Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients bring life to this stew. Use vibrant spinach and ripe tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Fresh garlic also packs a strong punch. - How to Thicken the Stew: If you want a thicker stew, mash some chickpeas in the pot. This method gives a nice body without altering the taste. - Alternatives for a Creamier Consistency: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt. These options add richness to the dish. - Ideal Accompaniments: Serve this stew with warm crusty bread or fluffy rice. Both pair well and soak up the delicious broth. - Garnishing for Presentation: A simple garnish can elevate your dish. Add fresh lemon wedges or a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color. It enhances both the look and taste of the stew. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} Substituting Spinach with Other Greens If you want to change the greens, try kale or Swiss chard. Both add great flavor and texture. Just chop them up like you would with spinach. Cook them a bit longer to soften. Adding Protein Options For extra protein, add cooked chicken or tofu. Chickpeas are great, but other beans work too. Black beans or lentils make a nice swap. Making it Extra Spicy To kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Try jalapeños or serranos for a fresh twist. Just slice them thin and toss them in early on. Adding Sweetness or Acidity If you like a hint of sweetness, add a splash of maple syrup or honey. For acidity, squeeze in some lemon juice or add a splash of vinegar. Both will brighten the stew nicely. Vegan Adaptations This stew is already vegan, but double-check your broth. Use vegetable broth for the best results. You can add more veggies too, like carrots or bell peppers. Gluten-Free Options The stew is gluten-free as is. Just ensure your broth has no gluten. Enjoy it with gluten-free bread or rice for a filling meal. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers of your spicy chickpea and spinach stew, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to freeze the stew, follow these steps: 1. Let the stew cool completely. 2. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. 3. Leave some space at the top; liquid expands when frozen. 4. Seal tightly and label with the date. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move the stew to the fridge for a day. You can also use the microwave for a quick thaw. For reheating, these methods work best: - Stovetop: Pour the stew into a pot and heat over medium until hot. Stir often. - Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot. These methods help keep the flavor and texture just right. Enjoy your warming bowl of stew anytime! How to make Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew vegan? This stew is already vegan! It uses chickpeas, spinach, and spices. Just make sure to use vegetable broth. You can easily enjoy this dish without any animal products. Can I add other vegetables to the stew? Yes, you can add other vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini work well. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. How long does this stew take to cook? This stew cooks in about 30 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick and easy for a weeknight meal. What are the best sides to serve with this stew? Serve this stew with warm bread or rice. A fresh salad also pairs nicely. These sides help soak up the tasty broth. What can I use instead of chickpeas? If you don’t have chickpeas, use white beans or lentils. Both options add protein and flavor. They will change the taste a little, but they will still be delicious. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh spinach works great in this stew. Just wash and chop it before adding. Fresh spinach adds a nice texture and bright color. This blog post provided you with a simple and tasty way to make Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew. You learned about key ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make your stew even better. You can personalize this recipe with swaps and variations to suit your taste. Finally, I explained how to store and reheat your dish. Enjoy trying this stew, and make it your own!](https://recipesure.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/efdf48ad-cc3b-4b5e-8881-beaf5de2ba59-250x250.webp)
Spicy Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Discover the delightful flavors of this spicy chickpea and spinach stew, perfect for a cozy meal! With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll whip up a wholesome dish in just 30 minutes. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this stew is not only delicious but also healthy. Ready to impress your taste buds?