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You are here: Home / Recipes / Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach

January 21, 2017 by Marisa Moore

5.6K shares
Smoky Vegan Smoky Chickpeas and Spinach PIN

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach is a healthy, budget-friendly meal that’s full of flavor, packed with protein and just happens to be vegan!

Jump to Recipe

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach I’m sharing one of my tried and true recipes today. I was inspired to make this chickpea recipe several years ago after eating something similar at a Spanish restaurant. I think it was Barcelona Wine Bar, where I had a spinach and chickpeas tapas dish that I loved.

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach

Tapas. That’s another topic. I love them, but I never feel satisfied after a dinner of little plates. Maybe it’s my southern roots?

Anyway. I took the idea from that dish and flipped it – letting chickpeas take the lead for a more filling meal. I added smoked paprika to add savory, meaty flavor without any actual meat.
Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach

This month’s recipe redux challenge is healthy budget-friendly meals. Whether you overdid it during the holidays or are feeling uncertain about how the economy will fare this year, it’s a good idea to keep the food budget in check.

This chickpea recipe can help. It’s vegan, packed with protein, filled with fiber, fast to make, and less than $3 per serving! What’s not to love?

Need a quick meal? Make these Vegan Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach in under 10 minutes! Click to Tweet

Why add beans to your diet?

When eating healthy on a budget, pulses are the first food to come to mind. Pulses include hundreds of varieties of dried beans, peas and lentils. I could write a book on the power of pulses and why you should eat them. But I’m sure you’re here for the recipe, so I’ll just share these main reasons why you might want to pick up and prepare a bag (or can!):

  • Pulses are an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein and a number of other important vitamins and minerals like folate and magnesium.
  • They may help prevent chronic diseases and help lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol and weight.
  • Dried beans, peas, and lentils have a low carbon footprint making them a good choice for the environment.

Tips for the best chickpea and spinach recipe

  • Cook the spices in the olive oil. This helps release the aromatic oils and heighten the flavor throughout this recipe. Watch me make it in the video!
  • Don’t crowd the pan. If you add too much too a small skillet the chickpeas will be soft and not get that lovely caramelized flavor.
  • Use more spinach than you think is comfortable. It will shrink so feel free to use an entire bunch or bag of spinach.

Make this budget-friendly meal!

Though it sounds fancy, it’s one of the easiest recipes to make with just a few ingredients. I know smoked paprika and turmeric are not in everyone’s kitchen, so I included it in the final cost. Smoked paprika is critical to the flavor in this simple dish – don’t skip it.

Vegan on a Budget

Assuming you already have salt and pepper in the pantry, here’s how the cost breaks down:

1- 15 oz. can chickpeas  = $1.00 (I buy Simple Truth Organic)

1- 5 ounce package fresh spinach (triple washed) = $2.50

2 T extra virgin olive oil = $.40

2 cloves garlic = $0.16

1 t smoked paprika = $0.10

½ t ground turmeric = $0.10

Entire recipe = $4.26/$2.13 per person

This recipe is even cheaper if you skip the shortcuts. A bundle of spinach that you’d have to thoroughly clean yourself will cost a lot less, and a pound of dry chickpeas costs less than a dollar at my market. Like most things in life, you pay in dollars or time. And the way my life is set up right now, I choose to save time.

Confession: This recipe had a former life. I’ve since advanced my photography skills a bit and changed the recipe a little too. Take a look if you dare! 

And be sure to check out the video of me making it!

Here’s the current version of the recipe. Before you head out, be sure to PIN this recipe for later. And tag me on Instagram when you make it

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Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach
Print Recipe
5 from 14 votes

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach

Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach is a healthy, budget-friendly meal that's full of flavor, packed with protein and just happens to be vegan!
Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time7 mins
Total Time10 mins
Course: Entree, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: chickpeas, vegan recipes
Servings: 2 entrees
Calories: 355kcal
Author: Marisa Moore

Ingredients

  • 1½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas (1-15 oz. can, rinsed and drained)
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoon water or vegetable broth

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the garlic, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Stir. Heat the oil and spice mixture 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. 
  • Add chickpeas and stir to coat with the oil and spice mixture. Add spinach and water. Cook over medium heat until the spinach wilts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve!

Video

Notes

Tips for the best chickpea and spinach recipe:
  • Cook the spices in the olive oil. This helps release the aromatic oils and heighten the flavor throughout this recipe.
  • Don't crowd the pan. If you add too much too a small skillet the chickpeas will be soft and not get that lovely caramelized flavor.
  • Use more spinach than you think is comfortable. It will shrink so feel free to use an entire bunch or bag of spinach.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal

 

5.6K shares

Filed Under: Blog, Easy Healthy Recipes, Entrees, Recipe ReDux, Recipes, Sides

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. EA The Spicy RD

    January 22, 2017 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    Except for the spinach (which I just ran out of) I have all of the ingredients on hand. Yum! Love the simplicity of this dish-can’t wait to make it!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      January 22, 2017 at 9:37 pm

      Thanks so much, EA! It also works great with kale 🙂

      Reply
    • JJ

      November 19, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      I am trying to avoid all oils. How would I make this without using oil; would a small amount of vegetable broth work?

      Reply
      • Marisa

        November 19, 2019 at 4:37 pm

        Hi JJ. Yes. You can use a small amount of vegetable broth. I’d lightly toast the turmeric and paprika spices in a dry pan first, add the broth, then the garlic. This way the garlic doesn’t burn. Let me know how it works for you!

        Reply
      • Sharon

        March 18, 2023 at 5:49 pm

        5 stars
        This is a great super quick recipe! I’ve made it a few times now. I usually make a double batch. This recipe works well with half as much spinach too (in case you are running short on it like I was).

        Reply
  2. Laura

    January 22, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    You managed to make wilted spinach look SO GOOD I just want to jump into my screen and eat it all! This looks like dinner perfection!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      January 22, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Haha! I didn’t think of that. Spinach is notorious for showing up slimy in pics! So glad I was too hungry to let it cook longer.

      Reply
  3. Gretchen | kumquat

    January 22, 2017 at 11:28 pm

    This looks heavenly! Ooh, and how far you’ve come with these gorgeous photos…

    Reply
    • Marisa

      January 23, 2017 at 4:46 pm

      Thanks, Gretchen! It’s pretty funny to look back those photos but makes me wonder what I’ll think when I look back 3+ years from today 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sonali- The Foodie Physician

    January 23, 2017 at 10:33 am

    5 stars
    Such a simple, beautiful dish and the new photos are stunning (I have so many old photos that I need to update too)! I love the combo of chickpeas and spinach- I make a curry dish using those ingredients. The smoked paprika sounds fabulous in here!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      January 23, 2017 at 4:47 pm

      Thank you! Oh how I love smoked paprika! And this is my first successful photo update… so many more to do!

      Reply
  5. Shashi at SavorySpin

    September 11, 2018 at 6:53 am

    5 stars
    Your cooked / wilted spinach looks amazeballs! So love the combo of spinach and chickpeas – you have combined them in such a delish way!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:42 am

      LOL! I caught the spinach just in time!

      Reply
  6. Kelly Anthony

    September 11, 2018 at 7:49 am

    5 stars
    Your new pictures look great! I really like how you broke down the cost of the recipe. This is a great budget meal.

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:50 am

      I’m learning that people really love budget meals. Makes sense. Who doesn’t love a good deal!

      Reply
  7. Lisa

    September 11, 2018 at 8:20 am

    5 stars
    What a fantastic one pot meal idea for meatless meals!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:51 am

      Thanks Lisa! It’s definitely a good one for a quick meatless meal!

      Reply
  8. Shanika

    September 11, 2018 at 8:23 am

    5 stars
    I love that this dish is so simply, yet full of flavor. I love chickpeas and these look so good!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:41 am

      Thanks, Shanika! I’m a bit of a chickpea fanatic!

      Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:51 am

      I am the queen of simple 🙂 As long as it tastes great, it’s a winner!

      Reply
  9. Lisa

    September 11, 2018 at 8:27 am

    5 stars
    I love the combination of chickpeas and spinach in this meatless dish!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:52 am

      It’s a great combo!

      Reply
  10. Diana

    September 11, 2018 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    I need to try this, as I usually bake the chickpeas in the oven instead. Looks really good!

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 8:53 am

      I haven’t baked my chickpeas in a while. I kinda want to do that now!

      Reply
  11. Tara @ Unsophisticook

    September 11, 2018 at 9:12 am

    5 stars
    Smoked paprika is quickly becoming one of my favorite savory spices! Love everything about this dish.

    Reply
    • Marisa

      September 11, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Yes. Smoked paprika is in my top 3 for sure. Thanks Tara!

      Reply
  12. Erika

    February 10, 2019 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is well put together! I made it for lunch, and it was delicious!! The seasoning gives it a nice flavor and the cooking softens the [canned] chickpea ever so slightly. Very good!

    Reply
  13. Sophia

    October 03, 2019 at 9:59 pm

    5 stars
    I made this recipe for dinner tonight, and it was both quick and tasty. I served it with mashed red potatoes and it was a perfect addition.

    Reply
    • Marisa

      October 05, 2019 at 5:18 am

      Thanks for the note. So happy you enjoyed the recipe! Now I’m craving red potatoes

      Reply
  14. Kala

    May 14, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    All I have Is frozen spinach, will that work or not recommended?

    Reply
    • Marisa

      May 14, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Kala! Frozen spinach will work. Just keep in mind that it will yield a lot more water (if you don’t thaw and drain it which I’d recommend) so you probably won’t need the extra tablespoon(s) of water. Let us know how it turns out for you!

      Reply
  15. Stephanie McKercher

    June 04, 2020 at 5:22 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe for lunch today and it was so good! Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and I love the spice mix! I used frozen spinach and it turned out great.

    Reply
  16. Jillianne

    June 08, 2020 at 10:27 pm

    5 stars
    We were running low on groceries tonight and needed a last minute side dish for dinner. I am a vegetarian, and my carnivore husband who originally said he didn’t want any loved these as well! Will definitely be adding these into our regular rotation! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Mary C Price

    February 08, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    I had one meal planned for tonight, but when it came around to making it, I just didn’t have the energy. I stumbled across this recipe and it was the perfect energy level for tonight. It’s got wonderful flavors and I paired it with some Naan bread. This was a wonderful supper.

    Reply
  18. Barbara

    March 08, 2021 at 6:08 pm

    Great recipe. I added a little Harissa paste to the spices, and cooked for a few minutes, then chickpeas (that I had made the day before in my instapot), and cooked a little more. I served it over quinua-rice fusilli, and it was delicious. Thanks so much.

    Reply

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Marisa Moore

Hi! I'm Marisa, a registered dietitian nutritionist living in Atlanta, GA. I use this blog to share (mostly) vegetarian recipes, credible nutrition information and a peek into my Southern roots and travels!
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