Name: Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 red onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or hot chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp brown sugar; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tins (400g each) peeled plum tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cans (400g each) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 200g fresh spinach; 2 tbsp toasted almond flakes; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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A comforting, vegan and gluten-free Spanish-style stew featuring tender chickpeas and vibrant spinach bathed in a rich, spiced tomato sauce—a perfect hearty meal for chillier evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nourishing and filling, offering plant-based protein, iron, and calcium.
Bursting with flavor thanks to cumin, smoked paprika, and just a touch of cayenne.
Quick and easy to prepare—ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner in under an hour.
Even better reheated, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
oil (e.g., olive oil)
garlic, finely chopped
red onion, finely chopped
ground cumin
smoked paprika
cayenne pepper or hot chili powder
salt
brown sugar
black pepper, to taste
tins of peeled plum tomatoes
tomato paste
cooked chickpeas
spinach
toasted almond flakes
fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened.
Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, brown sugar, and black pepper; sauté briefly to release their aromas.
Add the plum tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring until well combined.
Stir in the chickpeas and let them simmer in the tomato sauce.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Sprinkle with toasted almond flakes and optional fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap almond flakes for toasted breadcrumbs for a nut-free thickener.
Use fresh tomatoes if preferred, though canned plum tomatoes work great.
Add a splash of sherry vinegar near the end for brightness.
Stir in cooked potatoes or bell peppers for added texture and substance.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate the stew in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

What type of chickpeas should I use—canned or cooked from dry?

Either works! Canned chickpeas are convenient and ready to go; if using dried, soak them overnight and cook before adding to the stew.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well—just be sure to thaw and drain it properly before stirring in to avoid excess water.

What can I serve this stew with?

Crusty bread, brown rice, or quinoa are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. You could also serve it with a simple salad.

Is this stew spicy?

The cayenne adds a subtle heat, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make this nut-free?

Absolutely—replace almond flakes with breadcrumbs or omit entirely. The stew remains delicious and still thickens nicely.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in the fridge in an airtight container and consume within 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes—as long as it’s fully cooled, freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat without drying it out?

Reheat gently with a bit of water or vegetable broth to adjust consistency as needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—bell peppers, potatoes, or zucchini blend well and increase its heartiness.

Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and the flavors develop even more after resting, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Conclusion

This Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew is the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. It brings warmth and bold taste to the table with minimal effort—plus, it reheats wonderfully, making life a little easier later. Enjoy this wholesome dish whenever you’re craving a comforting, plant-based meal.