Spanish Chickpea Stew Recipe

I absolutely adore this chickpea stew recipe because it’s packed with vibrant flavors and feels like a cozy, warm hug in a bowl—perfect for those chilly nights when I just want to unwind. Plus, it’s super easy to make and is loaded with nutritious ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s both comforting and satisfying!

I adore crafting colorful, healthy meals—like my Spanish Chickpea Stew. With olive oil, onions, and garlic as the base, this dish is bursting with flavor from smoked paprika, cumin, and a whisper of cayenne.

But what really makes it a meal, I think, are the chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh spinach. They provide both the substance and the heartiness that I think a dish should have.

A squeeze of lemon and a flourish of fresh parsley finish it off. To me, that makes for a delightful, thoroughly wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Olive oil has a high content of monounsaturated fats, which are good for the heart.

Onion: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it provides depth and sweetness.

Garlic enhances the flavor while providing immune-boosting benefits.

Vitamin C and a sweet, mild flavor come from red bell peppers.

Chickpeas boast a high protein and fiber content that aids in achieving digestive health and fosters a sense of fullness.

Smoked paprika contributes smoky depth and enhances flavor complexity.

Spinach: Contains iron and vitamins, heightening the nutritional worth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a wide pot, pour the olive oil and set the burner to medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it is tender and translucent.

2. Introduce the pot to the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Allow it to cook for an additional 3 minutes, with intermittent stirring, until the texture of the red bell pepper is somewhat more tender than when it went in.

3. Combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the tomatoes, with their juices, and cook for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

5. Mix well with the pot’s contents to incorporate the chickpeas.

6. Add the vegetable broth and the bay leaf to the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil.

7. After boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for salt and pepper.

8. Eliminate the bay leaf and dispose of it. Fold the fresh spinach leaves into the stew and permit them to wilt.

9. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, combining it with the other ingredients and adjusting the seasoning as needed.

10. The stew should be served hot with routine garnishes of chopped fresh parsley. Savor your Spanish Chickpea Stew!

Equipment Needed

1. Wide pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Chopping board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Can opener
7. Citrus juicer (optional, for lemon)
8. Ladle

FAQ

• Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?A: Yes, dried chickpeas can be used. Be sure to soak the chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the stew.
• Q: How do I adjust the spice level?A: The cayenne pepper adds heat; therefore, you can reduce or even omit it and still have a fully flavored mild stew. If you want to up the spiciness ante, then double the amount of cayenne and serve with fire extinguisher in hand!
• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?Q: For sure! Flavors are allowed to progress over time, which makes this dish excel in the realm of meal prep. Just heat & serve.
• Q: What can I substitute for spinach?B: If you don’t have spinach, good alternatives are kale or Swiss chard.
• Q: Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?You can use regular paprika, but it won’t provide the same smoky flavor that you want. For that, you could use a little chipotle powder.

• Q: Can I add protein to this dish?Can extra protein be added from cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage, if desired?
• Q: How long does this stew last in the refrigerator?It has the potential to endure for as long as 5 days if it is kept in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute olive oil with either avocado oil or sunflower oil.
When looking for a substitute for red bell pepper, yellow and orange bell peppers can be used in their place, retaining a similar sweetness.
If you cannot find smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika instead, but the flavor will not be as smokey.
You can use fresh chopped tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes, but you might have to compensate a bit with extra water or the juice of another tomato to keep the stew from being too dry.
Kale or Swiss chard can take the place of fresh spinach leaves; however, it is important to chop them into small pieces and to cook them longer—until tender.

Pro Tips

1. Flavor Enhancement To deepen the flavor of the stew, consider sautéing the onions until they begin to caramelize slightly. This will add a hint of sweetness and complexity to the dish.

2. Spice Blooming When adding the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, make sure the spices are well coated in the oil and cook them for about a minute until they’re fragrant. This technique, called blooming, helps release the full aroma and flavor of the spices.

3. Tomato Prep Before adding the canned tomatoes, give them a good mash while they’re still in the can. This will help them integrate more smoothly into the stew and create a more uniform texture.

4. Chickpea Texture If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon once they’re added to the pot. This will naturally thicken the broth as it simmers.

5. Finishing Touch Just before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over each bowl of stew for added richness and a touch of flavor. The fresh parsley garnish will add a bright, fresh finish to each serving.