Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Spain with this incredible Espinacas con Garbanzos! This mouthwatering vegetarian stew is not just a meal, but a celebration of Spanish cuisine that combines hearty chickpeas, tender spinach, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe promises to deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of Mediterranean magic that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas, cooked
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Make sure the chickpeas are cooked and drained if using canned. Rinse the spinach under cold water and chop the onion and garlic.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and softened.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the chickpeas are well coated with the tomato mixture.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After the stew has simmered, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the Spanish Chickpea Stew warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy your delicious Espinacas con Garbanzos!
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use dried chickpeas and cook them from scratch if time permits. The texture and taste are significantly better than canned.
- Don't rush the sautéing of onions and garlic - letting them caramelize slowly develops a deeper, richer flavor base for your stew.
- The smoked paprika is crucial! Use high-quality Spanish pimentón for an authentic smoky note that defines this dish.
- If you want extra depth, consider adding a splash of sherry vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and meld overnight.
- For a protein boost, you can optionally add some chorizo or serve with a poached egg on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
