Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side is a dish that wraps you in a warm, flavorful blanket of spices and hearty goodness. Imagine coming home to the aroma of simmering chickpeas mingling with the earthy scent of fresh spinach, all while your taste buds dance in anticipation of this delightful meal.
This stew isn’t just food; it’s an experience that evokes memories of family gatherings and shared laughter. Picture yourself enjoying it on a chilly evening or at festive gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table for a moment of joy and connection.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chickpea & Spinach Stew is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with bold flavors, it delights your palate with every spoonful
- Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes while being versatile enough to pair with various dishes
- Ideal as a side for festive occasions like Eid, it warms hearts and homes alike
One memorable occasion I recall was when I made this stew for my friends during our annual potluck dinner. Their faces lit up with delight as they savored each bite, proving once again that food truly brings people together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Canned Chickpeas: A pantry staple; choose organic for better flavor and texture.
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Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they add nutrition and color to the stew.
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Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves deliver a punch of flavor, elevating your dish significantly.
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Tomato Paste: It provides depth and richness; look for high-quality brands without additives.
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Vegetable Broth: Homemade or store-bought, choose low-sodium versions to control saltiness.
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Cumin Powder: Adds warmth and earthy tones; don’t skip this essential spice!
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Coriander Powder: Brightens flavors; use freshly ground if possible for maximum potency.
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Red Chili Flakes: Adjust according to your heat preference; they give the stew a lovely kick.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances richness without overpowering flavors.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness; it’s the secret weapon to elevate the dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; always adjust based on personal preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste with your aromatic mixture until well combined. Cook for another two minutes to develop its rich flavors while keeping an eye on that tantalizing aroma.
Add Chickpeas and Spices: Toss in drained chickpeas along with cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili flakes. Stir everything together until chickpeas are fully coated in spices, about 3 minutes.
Add Broth and Spinach: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling nicely, add fresh spinach leaves until wilted down into a vibrant green pool of goodness.
Add Lemon Juice: Just before serving, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the stew. It brightens up all those hearty flavors beautifully—trust me on this one!
Serve hot alongside rice or bread for a wholesome meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Enjoy making this Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side!
You Must Know
- This Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side is not just filling; it’s bursting with flavor
- The blend of spices and fresh vegetables creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a plate
- Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor, then add spices before incorporating chickpeas and spinach. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines while developing rich flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add diced tomatoes for extra texture. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the stew.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side, consider using dried chickpeas soaked overnight for better texture
- Always taste as you go, adjusting spices to match your preference
- A squeeze of lemon at serving brightens up the flavors beautifully
The first time I made this stew, my friends were convinced I had discovered some secret family recipe. They couldn’t believe something so simple could taste so good!
FAQ
Can I make this Chickpea & Spinach Stew vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly and perfect for all diets.
How long does this stew keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh in an airtight container for about three days.
What can I serve alongside this Chickpea & Spinach Stew?
Serve it with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chickpea & Spinach Stew – Hearty Eid Side is a comforting, aromatic dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. This easy-to-make stew features tender chickpeas and fresh spinach, all simmered in a blend of spices that evoke heartwarming memories of family gatherings. Perfect for festive occasions like Eid or cozy weeknights, this vibrant meal is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili flakes. Cook for 3 minutes until well-coated.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Just before serving, drizzle with lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
