A hearty and flavorful Chickpea and Spinach Stew that is perfect for a cozy meal.
Chickpea and spinach stew is one of those dishes that feels as good as it tastes. It’s cozy, nourishing, and packed with flavor, proof that healthy meals can still be deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to make something warm and wholesome, this stew is a reliable go-to.
At the heart of this dish are two humble ingredients: chickpeas and spinach. Chickpeas bring a hearty texture and a mild, nutty flavor that soaks up spices beautifully. They also pack in plenty of plant-based protein and fiber, making this stew filling without feeling heavy. Spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, wilting perfectly into the mix and balancing the richness of the stew.
The flavor base usually starts with onions, garlic, and a good drizzle of olive oil—simple, classic, and deeply aromatic. Add in some diced tomatoes or a spoonful of tomato paste for depth, then layer in spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, or even a hint of cinnamon for warmth. The result is a broth that’s both comforting and complex, without being overly fussy.
This stew is versatile, too. You can simmer it slowly for deeper flavor or make a quick version in under 30 minutes. Want to bulk it up even more? Add potatoes, carrots, or cooked grains like quinoa or farro. It also pairs beautifully with warm bread or rice for soaking up all that delicious broth.
Chickpea and spinach stew is a great example of how plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be bland or boring. It’s satisfying, deeply flavorful, and full of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin ground
- 1 tsp paprika smoked, or regular
- 4 cups spinach fresh, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup Tomatoes diced, canned or fresh
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in cumin and paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chickpeas, spinach, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Good idea but my chickpeas were a bit mushy even though I rinsed them. Next time I’ll simmer less—otherwise it was still pretty tasty.
I followed the recipe mostly, but I forgot to drain the chickpeas fully and it got salty fast. Still edible, just needed more broth/less salt next time.
I think you did the right thing saying ‘still edible.’ I always forget tiny steps too 😅 If it got salty, maybe just add more tomatoes or spinach to balance, not only broth.
Ahh that makes sense—undrained chickpeas can hold extra liquid/sodium, so it can tip salty quickly. Next time try rinsing/draining longer (or add more broth near the end).
It was good, but I think it needs meat. Chickpeas just don’t fill me up enough.
You could add some sausage or chicken if you want it heartier! Just a thought.
Uhm… where’s the meat? Not a real meal without it if you ask me. Who eats stew without protein?
Too much spinach. 4 cups? That’s a lot for anyone. I’d go with 2 cups next time.
Absolutely delicious! I’ve made this stew twice now, and it’s a hit with my family. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad to hear that! This stew is so easy and tasty!
Pretty good, but I think it needs a little more liquid or simmer time. Mine got thick and the tomatoes felt a bit sharp, so next time I’ll add extra broth and maybe a pinch of sugar.
Hmm I didn’t have that issue, but I do add sugar sometimes—like a tiny pinch—if the tomatoes taste sharp. More liquid also helps if it thickens fast.
Totally agree—20-25 min might not be enough if your tomatoes are more acidic. I usually simmer longer and add a splash more broth at the end so it’s not paste-y.
I tried this recipe but it was a bit bland. I added some chili flakes and it turned out better.
Not enough ingredients for my taste. Would be better with carrots and celery. Just sayin’.
Really good, but I think it needs a little more salt than “to taste” suggests. Also I simmered mine closer to 30 minutes and it got thicker and richer.
This was okay, but I expected more flavor. Maybe I used too little seasoning?
Made this tonight and it was super comforting. The smoked paprika really makes it taste “restaurant-y.” I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it popped.
I made this recipe and it turned out kinda bland. I think it needs more spices.
This stew is super comforting. The smoked paprika makes it taste way more “special” than I expected—will definitely make again.
I don’t know… mine turned out kinda bland even with salt/pepper. Maybe my spices were old? The texture was great, just needed more punch—could’ve used chili flakes or more garlic.
I found this a little bland. Maybe I should have added more spices or something? 🤔
Not my fav, but others liked it. I guess it’s healthy??
This is okay, but I think it needs something for depth like a bay leaf or a pinch of chili flakes. Right now it tastes a bit flat to me.
Maybe use more salt? Mine always tastes flat unless I season earlier when it simmers. Bay leaf could help too, but chili flakes sounds like it might overpower the spinach.
Totally agree—something like a bay leaf or a pinch of chili flakes would add way more depth. I’ve done both and it really wakes up the cumin/paprika.
I accidentally used dried spinach (don’t ask) and it was a disaster. But the onions/garlic base tasted great. Recipe idea gets credit.
Spinach? In a stew? Seems kinda weird, but I guess it works. 🤷♀️
Weird or not, spinach adds a nice texture! Give it a shot! 🍲
My wife loved it and she’s picky! I just added some chili flakes for heat! 😋
I found it a bit bland. Needed more spices or maybe hot sauce? It just didn’t wow me like I hoped.
I totally get what you mean! Adding some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha could really bring it to life. Maybe next time! 😊
Chickpeas r not my thing, but I tried it and it was okay. Not my fav tho.
I followed the steps exactly and it came out kinda bland. Maybe my paprika wasn’t smoked enough? Next time I’ll double the spices.
I can’t cook but made this today. I was shocked at how it turned out — delicious! 🥳
Really? You made this?! I always thought it was complicated. Maybe I should give it a try too.
Wow! That’s amazing! Cooking can be so much fun and your stew sounds really good! 🥘
Easy to make and good for meal prep! I added some carrots too. Yum!
Not a fan. It looked nice, but too mushy for my taste. I prefer my chickpeas crispy!
Chickpeas give you gas. I don’t know how else to say it! 😂
This stew is so tasty! I added some chili flakes for a kick! Yum! 😋
I followed it pretty closely, but I added extra broth because it got too thick for my liking. Still delicious and the flavors melded well.
Honestly that sounds perfect—stew should be adjustable like that. Extra broth sounds like the right move if you like it a bit more soupy. Glad the flavors still came together!
This is literally just beans and greens. Not sure why everyone loves it so much, but to each their own.
Just another veggie stew. Where’s the meat? LOL
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too bland. Maybe more spices next time?
I think you should definitely add some chili flakes or maybe a dash of hot sauce! That always helps with flavor.
Bland? I didn’t have that problem. Maybe you didn’t use enough salt or spices? Just follow the steps!
Yum! It’s so easy to make and very filling. Perfect for meal prep for the week. 👍
Totally agree! This stew is super delicious and a great way to use up veggies. Can’t believe how quick it is to make! 😋
This stew is so tasty! I loved it 😍. First time making it and it turned out perfect. Thanks for sharing!
This stew is so easy to make, and it’s super tasty! I love how healthy it is too. 😋
Chickpeas? Eww. I’m not a fan of beans in general. But this stew looks nice for someone who likes it.
No beans? How can you say that? This stew is so delicious! You might just need to give it a go!
I get that chickpeas aren’t for everyone, but this stew is seriously good! You might be surprised if you try it.
I don’t know, it’s too bland for my taste. Needs more spice or something. I added hot sauce and it helped.
I think it’s all about adjusting to your taste! Maybe try adding other spices like cayenne or turmeric next time. 😊
Not enough tomatoes! I like more flavors. 😠
I actually think the balance is nice! But yeah, you could toss in a few more tomatoes if you want! 😅
Quick and easy recipe! Perfect for a weeknight meal. Will make again!
Quick? Well, it takes 25 minutes to simmer. That’s not exactly quick for me. There’s gotta be a faster way!
This sounds delicious! I love how quick it is! Gonna try it this week! 😀
I messed it up a bit—maybe I burned the garlic? It turned out bitter. If you sauté carefully it should be fine. Also 1 tbsp oil felt like a lot for my pot.
The flavor is good, but mine turned out a little watery. Next time I’ll simmer longer or mash some chickpeas to thicken it. Still tasted great though.
Spinach cooks down way more than I expected—looks like a lot at first but then it disappears. Wish I’d used bigger amounts of spinach? Could be just me.
Very easy and quick to make! Perfect for weeknight dinners. Will make again for sure.
Yummy! Also super easy. I didn’t have broth so I used water and it was still tasty! 😋
Water instead of broth? That’s kinda weird. How would it taste good like that? 🤔
Glad you found it easy! I think broth adds more flavor though. Next time maybe try it? 😊
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about only 1 tsp cumin. But the balance with paprika and tomatoes is actually nice. 20-25 minutes is the sweet spot.
Totally felt the same—1 tsp cumin sounded too timid. But once it simmers with the tomatoes it actually comes together. Love that 20–25 min window too.
I’m not sure about the cumin amount. Like, 1 tsp seems low for stew. I might bump it a bit and add chili flakes. Still, sounds good—spinach + chickpeas is always a win.
Made this for dinner and my kids actually ate it! Miracle worker! 🌟
I don’t know… spinach disappears fast. It tastes okay, but it felt like more of a soup than a stew to me. Maybe I needed to reduce longer.
Not bad at all! I added a squeeze of lemon at the end and it brightened everything. I’d definitely make this again.
Glad you enjoyed it! A squeeze of lemon is such a great finishing move—totally agree it brightens the flavors.
The cumin and paprika smell amazing while cooking. I was skeptical about using only 1 cup broth, but it turned out fine—just make sure it doesn’t dry out.
Totally agree—the cumin + paprika combo is so good. I also thought 1 cup broth might be too little, but mine stayed nice and saucy. I just added an extra splash of water when it started to thicken.
This stew was amazing! So comforting and the spices were spot on. Will definitely make again.
I’m so glad you loved it! The spices really do make a difference. What other recipes do you recommend?
5 stars! so easy 🙌
Right?? I tried it and it was basically hands-off. The cumin + smoked paprika is so good 🙌
Not bad, but I think there’s too much garlic! I was expecting more balance.
I totally disagree, the garlic makes it taste amazing! Just the right kick for me.
Easy enough for a weeknight. I used canned chickpeas and the stew still came out thick and flavorful after simmering. Would make again!
This stew is so good! I’ve made it twice this week, can’t get enough of that flavor! 🤤
This is such a cozy weeknight stew. I used canned chickpeas and regular paprika—still super flavorful. The spinach texture at the end is perfect.
Honestly, who puts chickpeas in stew? This just sounds wrong… but okay, I tried it and it’s not terrible.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical. Chickpeas + spinach stew sounds kinda plain, but it actually tastes hearty. I did add chili flakes though because my household is spicy-first.
Totally get it—same thought here! The cumin + smoked paprika combo really makes it not bland at all. I also did chili flakes and it bumped it up a lot.
Great recipe, but I didn’t have spinach, so I used kale instead! 😊
Not my cup of tea. Chickpeas just taste weird to me. 2/5.