Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Spain with a dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple? This Spanish Braised Spinach with Chickpeas is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. In just half an hour, you'll create a dish that's packed with nutrition, bursting with smoky paprika flavor, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the spinach thoroughly, draining and rinsing the chickpeas, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to distribute the spice evenly and toast it lightly for about 30 seconds.
- Add the drained chickpeas to the pan, stirring to combine with the onion and spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm the chickpeas and allow them to absorb the flavors.
- Gradually add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently to help it wilt and incorporate with the chickpeas and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach is completely wilted but still bright green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, optionally garnished with a drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of additional smoked paprika.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crisp spinach and high-quality smoked paprika for the most authentic flavor profile.
- Control Your Heat: Sauté onions and garlic on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure a golden, caramelized base.
- Toast the Paprika: Lightly toasting the smoked paprika releases its deep, complex flavors and adds depth to the dish.
- Don't Overcook Spinach: Add spinach gradually and cook just until wilted to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan, to preserve its texture and warmth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
