6 Easy Dinners With Chickpeas and Spinach
A can of chickpeas and a bag of spinach make a filling, healthy dinner with almost no prep. These six are meatless, budget-friendly and mostly ready in 15 to 25 minutes.
1. Chickpea and spinach curry
Time: 25 min · Also need: onion, garlic, curry powder, coconut milk or a can of tomatoes, rice
Creamy, warming and ready in under half an hour.
Cook rice. Soften a diced onion and 3 garlic cloves in oil, then add 2 tsp curry powder.
Add 2 cans drained chickpeas and a can of coconut milk or tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in 4 big handfuls of spinach until wilted. Serve over rice.
Use mild curry powder for kids.
2. Creamy Tuscan chickpeas
Time: 20 min · Also need: garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, parmesan
A rich, garlicky skillet that is great with crusty bread.
Cook 3 garlic cloves in olive oil with ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Add 2 cans drained chickpeas, 1 cup cream and ½ cup parmesan. Simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in spinach until wilted.
Serve over pasta to make it heartier.
3. Chickpea and spinach pasta
Time: 20 min · Also need: pasta, garlic, lemon, parmesan
A quick, protein-packed pasta.
Cook 12 oz short pasta.
Cook 3 garlic cloves in olive oil, add 1 can drained chickpeas and cook until a little crispy.
Toss in the pasta, spinach, lemon juice and parmesan with a splash of pasta water.
Red pepper flakes add a little warmth.
4. Spanish chickpeas and spinach
Time: 20 min · Also need: garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, bread
A classic from Spain, hearty and smoky.
Cook 3 garlic cloves in olive oil, then add 1 tsp smoked paprika and ½ tsp cumin.
Add 2 cans drained chickpeas and ½ cup water. Simmer 5 minutes.
Stir in 6 handfuls of spinach until wilted. Serve with toasted bread.
Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
5. Chickpea and spinach stew
Time: 30 min · Also need: onion, carrots, a can of diced tomatoes, broth
A thick, filling stew that freezes well.
Soften a diced onion and 2 carrots.
Add 2 cans chickpeas, a can of tomatoes, 3 cups broth and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Simmer 15 minutes.
Stir in spinach and season.
A spoon of parmesan or pesto on top makes it richer.
6. Chickpea and spinach quesadillas
Time: 15 min · Also need: tortillas, cheese, cumin
Crispy, cheesy and sneaks in greens.
Mash 1 can chickpeas with cumin, salt and a splash of lemon.
Spread on tortillas, add spinach and cheese, and fold.
Cook 2 to 3 minutes a side until golden.
Serve with salsa or yogurt for dipping.
Quick answers
Do I need to rinse canned chickpeas?
Rinsing removes extra salt and the starchy liquid. Pat them dry if you want them crispy.
How much fresh spinach do I need?
Spinach wilts down a lot. A 5 oz bag cooks down to about 1 cup, so add more than you think.
Are chickpeas a good protein?
Yes. A cup of cooked chickpeas has about 14 grams of protein plus a lot of fiber.
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