Sautéed Spinach and Chickpeas with Spiced Peppers
This vibrant dish, inspired by traditional Spanish cuisine, highlights the wholesome flavors of spinach and chickpeas. Sautéed to perfection with seasoned garlic, onion, and an aromatic blend of spices, this recipe promises a delightful medley of textures. The addition of pimientos adds a sweet and tangy note that perfectly complements the earthiness of chickpeas. Perfect as a nutritious side or a light main, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Try using jarred, roasted, marinated bell pepper strips for a delicious variation!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (None)
Garlic
1 clove (Cut in half)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Turmeric
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Canned chickpeas
28 ounces (Drained)
Baby spinach
11 cups (Rinsed and shaken dry)
Pimientos
2 (Drained and sliced)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large lidded skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Once the oil is shimmering, add the halved garlic clove. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and discard it.
3
Add the finely chopped onion along with cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent.
4
Incorporate the drained chickpeas, stirring well to ensure they are evenly coated with the fragrant oil and spices.
5
Next, add the rinsed and shaken-dry baby spinach directly into the skillet with all the residual moisture clinging to it. Cover the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt down.
6
After the spinach has wilted, uncover the skillet and gently fold in the sliced pimientos. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid has evaporated.
7
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a side dish or a light meal.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
10.8g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
4.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Spinach and Chickpeas with Spiced Peppers?
It is a vibrant Spanish-inspired dish featuring sautéed spinach, chickpeas, and pimientos seasoned with garlic, onion, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include olive oil, garlic, onion, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, canned chickpeas, baby spinach, and pimientos.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need 11 cups of baby spinach, rinsed and shaken dry.
Should the garlic be left in the dish?
No, the garlic clove is halved and sautéed until golden to flavor the oil, then it should be removed and discarded.
How long do I sauté the onion?
The finely chopped onion should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
What spices are used to season the chickpeas?
The dish is seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
What type of chickpeas should I use?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of drained canned chickpeas.
How do I cook the spinach so it wilts properly?
Add the spinach to the skillet with its residual moisture, cover with a lid, and cook for 4-5 minutes.
What can I use if I do not have pimientos?
You can use jarred, roasted, and marinated bell pepper strips as a delicious variation.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it contains 4.2 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10.8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain protein?
Yes, it provides 3.3 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a Mediterranean diet recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as being suitable for a Mediterranean diet.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish has earthy tones from the chickpeas and spinach, sweetness from the pimientos, and aromatic warmth from cumin and turmeric.
How do I prepare the pimientos?
The pimientos should be drained and sliced before being folded into the dish.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added at the end of the cooking process to taste.
Is this dish considered easy to cook?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy cooking recipe that is quick to prepare.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a nutritious side dish or a light main meal.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
The medium onion should be finely chopped.
Why is the garlic sautéed first?
The garlic is sautéed first to infuse the olive oil with flavor before the other ingredients are added.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients in this recipe.
What should I do with the excess liquid in the skillet?
After adding the pimientos, continue to cook and stir until the excess liquid has evaporated.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (spinach, chickpeas, vegetables, and spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the recommended heat setting for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh baby spinach, frozen spinach can be used if it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
How should the chickpeas be prepared before adding to the pan?
The canned chickpeas should be drained and then stirred well into the spiced oil.