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Catalan Chickpeas And Spinach 14.png

Catalan Chickpeas And Spinach

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🌿 This Catalan-inspired dish combines earthy chickpeas with nutrient‑rich spinach for a quick, comforting meal.
🍇 Sweet raisins and smoky paprika give traditional flavors a bright, satisfying twist.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 1 × 5 oz (≈ 140 g) bag fresh baby spinach, rinsed

– 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus a little extra for drizzling at the end

– 1 small white onion, thinly sliced

– 6 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tsp smoked paprika, plus a pinch for garnish

– ½ tsp ground cumin

– 2 × 15-oz (≈ 425 g each) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

– ½ cup (≈ 80 g) raisins

– ⅓ cup (≈ 45 g) toasted pine nuts (or toasted almonds/hazelnuts)

– Sea salt, to taste (about 1 tsp)

– Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1-First Step: Prep the Greens Begin by rinsing the 1 × 5 oz bag of fresh baby spinach in a colander and letting it drain. This step keeps the spinach fresh and removes any grit, setting the stage for a vibrant Catalan chickpeas and spinach dish. Set it aside while you move on, as using still-wet leaves helps with wilting later without extra moisture.

2-Second Step: Sauté Aromatics Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the thinly sliced small white onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent, building a flavorful base for your traditional Catalan chickpeas. Once ready, stir in the 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp ground cumin, cooking for another minute to release their aromas be mindful if you’re adapting for a low-spice diet by reducing the paprika.

3-Third Step: Wilt the Spinach Lower the heat to medium and add the rinsed spinach directly to the pan. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently until the leaves wilt down into a glossy mix. This quick step preserves the nutrients in your Catalan chickpeas spinach stew, making it a great option for health-conscious eaters who want to keep things fresh.

4-Fourth Step: Combine the Main Components Now, mix in the 2 × 15-oz cans of rinsed and drained chickpeas along with the ½ cup of raisins. Stir everything together and heat for 1-2 more minutes until warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld in this authentic Catalan chickpeas and spinach dish. If you’re making it vegan, this is already perfect, but you could add vegetable broth here for extra moisture if needed.

5-Fifth Step: Season Sprinkle about 1 tsp of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste over the mixture, then stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Taste and adjust as necessary, ensuring your easy Catalan chickpeas and spinach dinner suits your preferences perhaps less salt for a low-sodium variation.

6-Sixth Step: Finish and Serve Transfer the sauté to serving plates and garnish with ⅓ cup of toasted pine nuts, a drizzle of extra olive oil, and a pinch of smoked paprika for a beautiful presentation. The total prep time is just 5 minutes, cooking takes 10 minutes, and you’re done in about 15 minutes total. Serve it warm as a main or side, and for similar ideas, check out our tzatziki chickpea salad for another quick, veggie-packed option. This step ensures your traditional Catalan chickpeas and spinach is not only tasty but adaptable for busy families.

Notes

🍇 Use extra‑cooked canned chickpeas or pre‑boil them for a softer texture.
❄️ If fresh spinach isn’t on hand, substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) and add a splash of water if needed.
🥓 Boost protein and flavor by adding sliced sausage, crisped bacon, or diced cooked chicken.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sauté
  • Cuisine: Catalan
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150 g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg