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In a world increasingly focused on plant-based diets, the need for nutritious and flavorful recipes is more critical than ever. One such dish that beautifully marries health and taste is the Creamy Chickpea Spinach Stew. This delightful stew not only provides a wealth of nutrients but also delivers a comforting experience, perfect for any time of year. The combination of chickpeas, spinach, and a medley of spices creates a satisfying dish that is both hearty and wholesome. Whether you are a seasoned vegan, a curious omnivore, or simply someone seeking a nutritious meal, this stew has something to offer everyone.

Creamy Chickpea Spinach Stew

Discover the delightful Creamy Chickpea Spinach Stew, a perfect blend of nutrition and flavor that caters to plant-based diets. This hearty dish combines chickpeas, spinach, and a medley of spices, creating a comforting meal for any occasion. Ideal as a main course over rice or quinoa, or with crusty bread, it’s also a great make-ahead option. Learn about its health benefits, versatile ingredients, and step-by-step preparation for a wholesome culinary experience.

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly

4 cups fresh spinach (or substitute with 1 cup frozen spinach)

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

2 cups vegetable broth

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions
 

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.

      Add Chickpeas: Stir in the drained chickpeas, making sure they get well-coated with the aromatic spice mixture. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes for added flavor.

        Pour in Liquids: Carefully add the coconut milk and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Simmer Stew: Reduce the heat as necessary and allow the stew to simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

            Incorporate Spinach: When the stew has thickened slightly, fold in the fresh spinach. If you are using frozen spinach, add it at this stage as well. Stir until the spinach wilts down completely, about 3-4 minutes.

              Season: Taste the stew and season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon juice to enhance the dish’s freshness. Adjust any additional seasoning as needed.

                Serve & Garnish: Ladle the creamy chickpea spinach stew into bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings