Even as spring gently warms our days and summer peeks around the corner, evenings can still carry a chill. What better way to combat the cool than with a hearty, flavorful stew? Inspired by the heart of Spanish cuisine, we bring you a delightful and authentic take on a classic: Garbanzos con Espinacas, or Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew. This robust dish is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Spain, a culinary journey that’s both simple to embark on and deeply satisfying. And while we’re talking Spain, imagine a Cat In Spanish village, perhaps even sneaking a taste of this delicious stew! This recipe captures the essence of Spanish home cooking, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
This isn’t just any stew; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience. We’ve crafted our version of Garbanzos con Espinacas to be rich and deeply satisfying, featuring chickpeas luxuriating in a luscious tomato sauce. The stew is generously spiced with the warm, earthy notes of cumin, the smoky depth of paprika, and just a whisper of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick. We’ve been careful to balance the spices, ensuring a harmonious blend that tantalizes your taste buds without overpowering the natural flavors of the chickpeas and spinach.
Beyond its incredible taste, this Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a nutritional powerhouse. Both chickpeas and spinach are celebrated for their health benefits, being excellent sources of calcium and iron. Chickpeas are also packed with protein, an essential nutrient that’s important for everyone, regardless of dietary choices. Tomatoes, the base of our flavorful sauce, are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, along with a wealth of other beneficial nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. It’s a meal that nourishes your body as much as it delights your palate.
To elevate this dish even further, consider serving it with brown rice. This pairing not only creates a complete and satisfying meal but also boosts the nutritional profile. Brown rice adds heart-healthy minerals, antioxidants, lignans, and dietary fiber. Fiber is key to keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer, helping to manage cravings and avoid unhealthy snacking. Together, the Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew and brown rice form a meal that’s both delicious and deeply beneficial for your well-being.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew in a pan
A pan filled with vibrant Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, ready to be served, showcasing its rich tomato-based sauce and healthy ingredients.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew close up
Close-up shot of Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, highlighting the texture and rich colors of the dish, inviting you to take a bite.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew lunch
A comforting and nutritious lunch serving of Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, perfect for a midday meal or a light yet satisfying dinner.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew top down
Overhead view of Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, displaying the beautiful arrangement of ingredients and the inviting steam rising from the warm dish.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew
A delicious bowl of Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, showcasing its wholesome ingredients and vibrant appearance, ready to be enjoyed.
Spanish chickpea and spinach stew portion
A perfectly portioned serving of Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew, demonstrating a balanced and healthy meal option for individuals or families.
Authentic Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew Recipe (Garbanzos con Espinacas)
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2-3 tsp brown sugar
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 x 400g tins peeled plum tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 200g spinach
- Handful of almond flakes, toasted (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice (brown rice recommended), for serving
Method:
- Warm the olive oil in a large frying pan (preferably with a lid) over low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant and softened, taking care not to burn it.
- Introduce all the ground spices (cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper) to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine and cook gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly as spices can burn easily. This step enhances their flavor.
- Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir it into the spiced onion and garlic mixture, ensuring it’s well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, crush the plum tomatoes with a potato masher. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, along with salt and half of the brown sugar. Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat to allow it to thicken, stirring periodically.
- Once the tomato sauce has thickened to your liking, taste it and season with black pepper and more sugar if needed. The sweetness will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the spice. Adjust sugar to taste, depending on the tomatoes’ tanginess.
- Stir in the cooked chickpeas and let them heat through in the sauce. Add the spinach to the pan. Cover with a lid to allow the spinach to wilt and cook in the steam. Alternatively, for a different texture, you can lightly sauté the spinach separately with a little olive oil and garlic before adding it to the stew.
- Serve the Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew hot over cooked rice. Garnish with toasted almond flakes and fresh parsley, if desired, for added texture and freshness.
Share the Warmth!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 339
- Sugars: 15g
- Fats: 14g
- Saturates: 2g
- Proteins: 13g
- Carbs: 43g
Enjoy this taste of Spain, and remember to share your culinary adventures with us! This Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simple, wholesome flavors of Spanish cuisine.
