How to Make the Perfect Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Indian · Easy · 28 min · 4 servings
This vibrant chickpea and spinach stew is deeply flavorful thanks to warm spices and canned tomatoes that come together in one pot. It is nutritious, filling, and one of the easiest budget meals you can make on a busy weeknight.
Why this recipe works
This Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Stew recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 28 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Onion
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is soft and beginning to turn golden at the edges.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Add the garam masala and turmeric to the pan with the onions and stir constantly for one minute. Toasting the spices in the oil and onion base deepens their flavor and removes any raw taste.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to deglaze the pan. Add the drained chickpeas and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Stir in the Spinach
Add the spinach to the pot and stir it in until it wilts completely, which takes about two minutes for fresh spinach or three minutes for frozen. Taste and season with salt before serving over rice or with flatbread.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- garam masala → a mix of cumin and coriander powder as a simpler alternative
- fresh spinach → any leafy green such as kale or Swiss chard
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the spice-toasting step which results in a flat and less aromatic final dish
- Adding spinach too early in the cooking process which causes it to break down completely and lose its texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 12g protein, 34g carbs, 5g fat, 10g fiber.
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