Traditional Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas (Garbanzos con Espinacas)
This traditional Spanish spinach and chickpeas recipe features chickpeas, sautéed spinach, infused with garlic, smoky paprika, and earthy cumin. Perfect for a delicious and quick weeknight dinner, a hearty side and of course as a tapas. It’s a delicious way to enjoy greens and beans! Ready in under 15 minutes!
Spain has such a large variety of vegetable-based dishes, you just have to seek them out. During my travels through Spain, although meat is prized and promoted, it was the vegetable-based dishes that I loved. One of those is the chickpeas with spinach Garbanzos con Espinacas. This hearty yet simple dish is made with simple ingredients we usually have in our kitchen, and you will be surprised at how good this tastes! And it showcases the essence of the Mediterranean diet: simple recipes with fresh, plant-based ingredients.
What I love about this dish how it transforms basic kitchen staples into a delicious dish. I enjoy it as a main meal along with a bit of bread, but it is also perfect as tapas.
Why is this Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas dish good for you?
I think it’s obvious but let’s go ahead anyway. All the ingredients are rich in antioxidants; the spinach, chickpeas, olive oil, you name it, they’re all good. Spinach is a great source of vitamin A, C and K and polyphenols, chickpeas deliver high fiber and plenty of plant-based protein keeping you full longer and stabilizing your blood sugars, and olive oil provides the good monounsaturated fats and multiple antioxidants which protect from a number of chronic diseases.
Traditional Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas (Garbanzos con Espinacas) Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are fine for this recipe. They provide a hearty base for the dish.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is preferred here, adds freshness to this recipe.
- Paprika and Cumin: Both of these spices is what makes this dish standout. They provide smokiness and depth.
- Breadcrumbs: Another ingredient that adds texture to this dish. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by toasting a slice of bread and putting it in the food processor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A hallmark of most Mediterranean recipes, make sure it is fresh and extra virgin.
- Garlic: Garlic here is sliced (not minced) and browned to add additional flavor.
How to make Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas
1. Slice or chop the garlic. Heat the olive oil in large pan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to brown for about 1 minute. Remove the garlic. Keep the oil in the pan.
3. In a food processor add the garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and the water. Mix until smooth and set aside.
4. Turn on the heat again and add the paprika in the pan stirring until it becomes smooth for about 1 minute.
5. Add the spinach toss for 2 minutes until it begins to wilt.
6. Add the chickpeas and toss. Add the cumin-breadcrumb sauce and stir. Heat until it comes to a boil. Lower heat and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
7. Remove from pan and serve with a splash of vinegar.
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Easy One-Pot Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas (Garbanzos con Espinacas)
Ingredients
- 1-2 cloves of garlic sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ cup of water
- 8 oz (200 g) chickpeas
- 8 oz (200 g) fresh spinach
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Slice or chop the garlic. Heat the olive oil in large pan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Add the garlic and sauté until it begins to brown for about 1 minute. Remove the garlic. Keep the oil in the pan.
- In a food processor add the garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs and the water. Mix until smooth.
- Turn on the heat again and add the paprika in the pan stirring until it becomes smooth.
- Add the spinach toss for 2 minutes until it begins to wilt. Add the chickpeas and toss. Add the cumin-breadcrumb sauce and stir. Heat until it comes to a boil. Lower heat and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Remove from pan and serve with a splash of vinegar.
Quick and flavorful! We love it. Tried it with and without the vinegar but the vinegar took from good to great!!
Made this last night, turned out great! Didn’t expect it would be this good. We will be making spinach like this more often
Glad you enjoyed it!
I love chickpeas. Especially in Greek Beef Bean Soup. Penelope
Thanks for sharing. Soup are so comforting as fall approaches!
Your recipes are always great and I love how simple they are.
Thank you Dennis!