This recipe of Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic is packed with flavor, protein, and essential nutrients. It is a true winner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You’ll appreciate the simplicity and versatility of this recipe. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, it’s budget-friendly too!
This is one of my go-to recipes that never fails to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious!
Ingredients for Chickpeas with Spinach
- 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 8 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Allow the chickpeas to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help them develop a delicious golden brown color and crispy texture.
- Gradually add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet in batches. Stir the spinach into the chickpeas until it starts to wilt down. Continue adding the remaining spinach until all of it is incorporated into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is completely wilted and tender.
- Season the sautéed chickpeas with spinach. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Give everything a final stir to combine the flavors.
- For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sautéed chickpeas and spinach just before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to get creative with additional herbs or spices if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Customize Your Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor of this dish to your liking. Cumin, paprika, or smoked paprika can add depth, while a dash of lemon zest can brighten up the flavors.
- Texture Variation: For added texture, try roasting the chickpeas in the oven before adding them to the skillet. Simply toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content of this dish by incorporating cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Bulk it Up: Turn this side dish into a hearty main course by adding cooked grains such as quinoa, couscous, or rice. Mix them into the skillet along with the chickpeas and spinach for a satisfying meal-in-one.
- Creamy Touch: For a creamy finish, stir in a spoonful of tahini or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking. This adds richness and depth to the dish while complementing the earthy flavors of the chickpeas and spinach.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove-top.
- Freshen Up with Herbs: Garnish the finished dish with a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil for a burst of freshness and color.
Culinary Medicine: The Healing Power of Spices
The Art of Pairing Fresh Herbs with Dishes
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the sautéed chickpeas with spinach and garlic over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for a satisfying and complete meal.
- As a Side Dish: This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as grilled chicken, roasted fish, or baked tofu.
- On Toast or Crostini: Spread toasted bread or crostini with creamy hummus or guacamole, then top with a generous spoonful of the sautéed chickpeas with spinach mixture for a delicious and filling snack or appetizer.
- In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use the sautéed chickpeas with spinach and garlic as a flavorful filling for wraps or sandwiches. Add some sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce for a tasty and portable meal.
- With Eggs: Enjoy the sautéed chickpeas with spinach for breakfast or brunch by serving them with poached or fried eggs on top.
- In Plant-Power Bowls: Build a colorful and nutritious bowl by combining the sautéed chickpeas with spinach and garlic with roasted vegetables, cooked grains, fresh greens, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing.
- Top with Sauce: Add a dollop of Tzatziki or Tahini on top of the sautéed chickpeas with spinach for a creamy contrast.
- Sprinkle with Nuts or Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, sprinkle the sautéed chickpeas and spinach with toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds.
- With a Side Salad: Serve the sautéed chickpeas with spinach and garlic alongside a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze for a light and refreshing meal. Or serve with Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe with Feta Cheese.
FAQ
Q1. How can I make this dish spicier? If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the garlic. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Q2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach in this recipe. Simply thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Q3. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers chickpeas with spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove-top before serving.
Q4. Can I freeze this dish? While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the spinach may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend doing so without the spinach and adding fresh spinach when reheating.
Q5. How can I add more protein to this dish? You can boost the protein content of this dish by adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
Q6. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes a great option for busy weeknights.
Q7. Can I omit the garlic? While garlic adds a delicious flavor to this dish, you can omit it if you prefer or if you have a sensitivity to garlic. Just note that the flavor profile of the dish will be slightly different without it.
Q8. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned for this recipe? Yes, you can absolutely! Read the following article for more instructions and tips of how to cook the dry beans and more ⇓⇓⇓
Beans: Tiny Superfoods with Big Health Benefits
More Recipes with Chickpeas
A Flavorful Chickpea Patties Recipe
Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Cashew
Pasta Salad Recipe with Roasted Butternut Squash
Sautéed Chickpeas with Spinach and Garlic
Equipment
- 1 cooking pan
Ingredients
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (15 ounces each)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 8 cups fresh spinach leaves (I used baby spinach)
- 2-3 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the avocado/olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well to coat them in the garlic-infused oil. Allow the chickpeas to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help them develop a delicious golden brown color and crispy texture.
- Gradually add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet in batches. Stir the spinach into the chickpeas until it starts to wilt down. Continue adding the remaining spinach until all of it is incorporated into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is completely wilted and tender.
- Season the sautéed chickpeas and spinach with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Or add a bit of Hot Sauce Adjika.
- For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sautéed chickpeas and spinach just before serving. Serve Hot.
- Enjoy!