Chickpeas and spinach are a classic pairing that not only brings a burst of flavor but also delivers a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking to add more wholesome meals to your repertoire or simply someone who loves vibrant, hearty dishes, chickpea spinach recipes are a fantastic choice.
These meals are incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. From warm stews to fresh salads and even wraps, the combination offers endless possibilities to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious vegetarian recipes featuring chickpeas and spinach. You’ll find easy-to-follow recipes, helpful tips, and creative twists to keep your meals exciting.
Plus, if you’re interested in expanding your cooking horizons, we’ll link you to some other favorite recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for more culinary inspiration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about chickpea spinach recipes is their incredible balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Chickpeas provide a hearty, nutty taste and a satisfying texture that complements the tender, slightly earthy flavor of spinach perfectly.
These recipes are:
- Rich in plant-based protein, perfect for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
- Quick and simple to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flexible and versatile, easily customized with your favorite spices and extras.
Whether you’re craving a comforting curry or a fresh salad, these chickpea and spinach dishes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned chickpeas and tomatoes)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Bowl for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder if using. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the chickpeas and stir well. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Gradually add the spinach, stirring it in as it wilts down. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach is tender and fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish by squeezing the lemon juice over the dish and giving it a final stir.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk during the simmering step. You can also toss in some chopped nuts like cashews for a delightful crunch.”
- Try adding other greens such as kale or Swiss chard if spinach is not available.
- For extra protein, include cubed tofu or paneer.
- Spice lovers can add fresh chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked if you prefer fresh over canned.
- Serve over cooked quinoa, rice, or with warm flatbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Iron | 25% DV |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This chickpea spinach dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a main course over fluffy basmati rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
It also pairs beautifully with warm naan or pita bread, perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.
For a lighter option, spoon it over a bed of mixed greens or toss it into a wrap with some fresh yogurt and cucumber slices. You can even add a dollop of your favorite chutney to enhance the taste further.
For more vegetarian delights, check out Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe, both fantastic complements to this meal.
Delicious Chickpea Spinach Recipes Vegetarian
Chickpea Spinach Curry
This hearty curry is a favorite for its rich, spiced tomato base and creamy texture. Perfect for meal prepping, it tastes even better the next day!
- Follow the basic recipe above, adding 1/2 cup coconut milk after simmering the tomatoes.
- Add 1 teaspoon garam masala with the other spices for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm roti.
Chickpea Spinach Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
A fresh, no-cook option that’s light yet satisfying. Great for lunch or a side dish.
- Combine 1 can chickpeas (rinsed), 4 cups baby spinach, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons tahini, juice of one lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Toss salad with dressing and garnish with toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds.
Chickpea Spinach Stew with Sweet Potatoes
A cozy stew perfect for chilly evenings, packed with veggies and warming spices.
- In a pot, sauté onions and garlic, then add diced sweet potatoes (about 2 cups), chickpeas, and spinach.
- Add 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin.
- Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Conclusion
Chickpea and spinach recipes are a fantastic addition to any vegetarian kitchen, offering both nutrition and flavor in one delicious package. Whether you’re in the mood for a warming curry, a fresh salad, or a hearty stew, these recipes are adaptable, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion.
Their vibrant ingredients not only taste great but also provide essential nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.
By incorporating these recipes into your meal rotation, you’re sure to enjoy wholesome, satisfying dishes that please both the palate and the body. Don’t forget to explore other tasty options like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe and Pecan Crackers Recipe to further expand your culinary adventures.
📖 Recipe Card: Chickpea Spinach Curry
Description: A hearty and nutritious vegetarian curry combining chickpeas and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes with their juice; stir well.
- Pour in water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chickpea Spinach Curry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious vegetarian curry combining chickpeas and fresh spinach in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 tablespoon grated ginger”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1 teaspoon ground coriander”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1/2 teaspoon chili powder”, “1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped”, “Salt to taste”, “1/2 cup water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes with their juice; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in water, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt to taste and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}