Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew (Easy Garbanzos con Espinacas)

By : Moiz Blogger | 0 Comments | On : 23/10/2026 | Category : Cuisines

Spanish chickpea and spinach stew is inspired by garbanzos con espinacas, a comforting dish associated with Andalusian cooking. This approachable home version uses canned chickpeas, spinach, tomato and smoked paprika for a warming vegetarian meal. It is inspired by the traditional dish rather than a claim of an authentic regional recipe.

At a glance

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Serves: 4 | Equipment: Deep skillet or saucepan.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth or water
• 5 ounces (140 g) baby spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, adjusted to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley and warm bread, optional

How to make chickpea and spinach stew

1. Soften the onion. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until soft.
2. Bloom spices. Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin and optional chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the paprika.
3. Build the sauce. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas. Stir in drained, rinsed chickpeas, salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chickpeas are heated through.
5. Wilt spinach. Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
6. Finish. Stir in lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with optional parsley and bread.

Why this recipe works

Chickpeas add a hearty texture, while spinach cooks quickly into the tomato sauce. Smoked paprika supplies warmth and depth without requiring a long simmer. Lemon juice added at the end brightens the finished dish.

Tips for a flavorful stew

• Rinse canned chickpeas to remove some of the packing liquid and excess sodium.
• Cook spices briefly in oil, but do not scorch paprika.
• Simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce or add a splash of broth for a soupier texture.
• Use baby spinach for convenience; chop larger leaves before adding.
• Taste before adding extra salt because canned ingredients vary.

Variations

With frozen spinach

Use about 1 cup thawed, squeezed-dry frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach. Stir in near the end and heat through.

Without tomatoes

For a different, less tomato-forward stew, use 3/4 cup broth and a small squeeze of lemon at the end; the sauce will be thinner.

With extra vegetables

Add finely diced red bell pepper with the onion and cook until softened.

Serving ideas

Serve with no-yeast yogurt flatbread or rosemary focaccia. For another chickpea dish, try easy chana masala.

Storage and food safety

Refrigerate stew in shallow, covered containers within two hours of cooking. Store at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout. Freeze cooled portions for up to two months for best quality. Do not leave cooked legumes at room temperature overnight.

Frequently asked questions

Is Spanish chickpea and spinach stew vegan?

This version is vegan when made with vegetable broth and served with vegan bread.

Can I use dried chickpeas?

Yes. Soak and cook dried chickpeas fully until tender before adding them; do not add uncooked chickpeas directly.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. The stew can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add a splash of water if it thickens.

What is smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika is paprika made from peppers dried over smoke, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be substituted but tastes different.

Editorial note

Original editorial recipe inspired by Spanish flavors, not a claim of traditional authenticity or independent kitchen testing. Featured imagery, if used, is illustrative.