| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 366 | 17g | 2g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 13g | 15g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas
There are certain recipes that transport you to a different place the moment you taste them; dishes that play with your senses and guide you on an unforgettable flavor journey. For me, one of these magical dishes is the wholesome and comforting Spanish dish – Spinach with Chickpeas. This dish often takes me back to my culinary explorations in Spain, where I was introduced to a whole new world of flavors and aromas.
What Makes Spinach with Chickpeas Special?
What makes Spinach with Chickpeas so special is not just its hearty simplicity, but how every ingredient harmoniously comes together to create a burst of flavor in each bite. It is truly a classic demonstration of how simple, earthy ingredients can make a delicious comfort food that anybody will fall in love with.
The dish truly stands out for how the hearty chickpeas absorb all the wonderful flavors and complement the fresh, leafy spinach. The sautéed onions and minced garlic provide a beautiful depth of flavor while the blend of herbs and spices, specifically paprika, cumin, turmeric, and pepper, lend an aromatic warmth to the dish. The meal is given a perfect tangy touch with the addition of tomato paste and red wine vinegar, and crunchy croutons add an interesting texture contrast.
A Fusion of Cultures and Culinary Inspirations
Even though this is a traditional Spanish recipe, I was inspired to adjust it a bit by world-renowned Spanish chef José Andrés. Andrés often combines traditional Spanish cooking techniques with innovative culinary ideas, and his approach to cooking really inspired me to explore and experiment with my own recipes.
Though Spinach with Chickpeas has its roots in Spanish homes and tapas bars, I firmly believe in the power of fusion when it comes to cooking. Coming from a Louisiana background with French lineage, I naturally lean towards combining the best elements of different cuisines. While this recipe isn’t as rich as a Creole dish or as delicate as a classic French éclair, it’s got the rustic charm that epitomizes home-cooked meals around the world.
Pairing Suggestions
By itself, this Spinach with Chickpeas dish is a delectable treat. When accompanied by additional dishes, it becomes part of a feast! It can be complemented beautifully by a variety of other Spanish plates, such as Paella or Gazpacho. For a truly immersive Spanish dining experience, consider pairing it with a smooth glass of Spanish red wine.
I hope you’ll be inspired to try out this fantastic Spinach with Chickpeas recipe – it’s got a heartwarming appeal that is sure to win over everyone at your dining table. Bon appétit or as they say in Spain, ¡Buen provecho!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cans (30.4 oz total) of chickpeas
- 1 lb of fresh spinach
- 4 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 2 slices of bread, cubed and toasted (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by toasting the cubes of bread (if using) in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing regularly until golden brown. Set aside.
Step Two
In the same skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and softened.
Step Three
Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the onion and garlic and cook for a minute, until they become fragrant.
Step Four
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir well, again allowing it to cook for a minute until it darkens slightly in color.
Step Five
Drain and rinse the two cans of chickpeas. Add the chickpeas to the skillet with the spiced onion, garlic, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine and coat the chickpeas in the spiced tomato mixture.
Step Six
Pour the 4 cups of water into the skillet, stirring well and bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Step Seven
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, allowing it to wilt into the simmering chickpea mixture. Add salt to taste at this stage.
Step Eight
Cook the spinach and chickpea mixture for around 15-20 minutes, until the spinach is fully wilted and the flavors have melded together. If desired, add the toasted bread cubes at this stage.
Step Nine
Drizzle the dish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the red wine vinegar just before serving. Enjoy hot.
