How to Make the Perfect Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Power Bowl
Mediterranean · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This hearty power bowl combines protein-packed chickpeas with iron-rich spinach in a warming spiced tomato sauce. It is a satisfying meal that delivers impressive macros without any animal products.
Why this recipe works
This Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Power Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 18g 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
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Toast the Spices
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika and stir constantly for 90 seconds until fragrant and the garlic is golden.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the spiced garlic. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 minutes until it thickens slightly and deepens in color.
Step 3: Add Chickpeas and Spinach
Add the drained chickpeas to the sauce and stir to coat every bean. Add the fresh spinach in handfuls and stir until fully wilted, about 3 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Divide the cooked brown rice among four bowls. Spoon the chickpea and spinach mixture over the rice and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and optional chili flakes for heat.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- brown rice → quinoa for extra protein and a nuttier flavor
- crushed tomatoes → diced fresh tomatoes cooked down with a tablespoon of tomato paste
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of toasting spices which results in a flat and one-dimensional flavor profile
- Adding all the spinach at once which causes it to steam unevenly and release too much water into the sauce
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 18g protein, 58g carbs, 9g fat, 12g fiber.
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