Name: Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed); 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

This Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry is a nutritious, quick, and flavorful plant-based dish. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, vibrant spinach, and a medley of aromatic spices, it’s perfect for a healthy dinner. Easy to make, customizable, and full of fresh flavors, it’s a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Quick Cooking: The stir-fry method allows you to cook the ingredients quickly while retaining their nutritional value.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
Use Fresh or Frozen Spinach: Both work well, but fresh spinach wilts down more quickly in the pan.
Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, toss in some cooked quinoa or a few nuts like almonds or cashews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry is a meal that combines simplicity and nourishment in one delicious dish. The chickpeas provide a hearty texture and protein, while the spinach offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The seasonings elevate the dish without overpowering its fresh flavors. It’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch and is fully customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s plant-based, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Yield: Serves 4

Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry

A quick, healthy, and flavorful plant-based stir-fry made with chickpeas, spinach, and vibrant spices. Perfect for dinner!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed)
1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. If using fresh spinach, wash and roughly chop it. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the onion.
Cook Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season: Sprinkle in the cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices. Cook for an additional minute.
Add Chickpeas and Spinach: Toss the chickpeas into the pan, stirring to combine. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the spices. Add the spinach and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it wilts down.
Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve over rice, quinoa, or on its own.

Notes

You can add a handful of cooked quinoa or couscous for extra texture.
If you prefer a richer flavor, drizzle with tahini before serving.
This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 83Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 0mgSodium 101mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas for convenience, or cook dried chickpeas in advance for a more cost-effective option. Be sure to drain and rinse canned chickpeas before using.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly, making it perfect for stir-frying. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
Garlic & Ginger: These two ingredients create a flavor base that brings depth and complexity to the dish. Fresh garlic and ginger are best, but ground versions can be used in a pinch.
Spices: Cumin, turmeric, and paprika add warmth and earthiness to the stir-fry. You can adjust the quantities to suit your taste.

Variations and Substitutions:

Greens: If you don’t have spinach, feel free to substitute with kale, swiss chard, or even arugula.
Beans: While chickpeas are the star of this recipe, you can swap them for other beans like black beans or kidney beans for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Texture: For added crunch, try sprinkling roasted nuts like almonds, peanuts, or sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Add Veggies: You can toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Storage Options:

Refrigeration: Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.