Description
A warm and hearty Spanish-inspired chickpea and spinach stew simmered in a rich tomato sauce with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne. This comforting vegan dish is nutritious, flavorful, and perfect served with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, 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 cans (400 g each) peeled plum tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas
- 200 g fresh spinach
- A handful toasted almond flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over low heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and nearly translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well.
- Pour in the plum tomatoes (lightly mash them if whole), then add salt and half of the brown sugar.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and additional sugar if needed.
- Add the cooked chickpeas and stir to warm through.
- Add the spinach, cover the pan, and cook until the leaves wilt.
- Serve the stew over cooked rice.
- Top with toasted almond flakes and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh if needed.
- Kale, chard, or silverbeet are good substitutes for spinach.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
- The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Serve with crusty bread or naan for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
