How to Make French Chickpea and Spinach Stew
French Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch, this stew is not only easy to make but also packed with protein and vitamins. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for French Chickpea and Spinach Stew
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the Spices
Sprinkle the ground cumin and smoked paprika over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to coat the veggies with the spices, allowing their flavors to develop for about 1 minute.
3. Mix in the Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Add the drained chickpeas and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Pour in the Broth
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Spinach and Season to Taste
Once the stew has simmered, add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper based on your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the French Chickpea and Spinach Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this nutritious stew!
Tips for Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can add other vegetables such as zucchini or sweet potatoes. You can also include spices like turmeric or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your taste preferences.
French Chickpea and Spinach Stew is not just delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for future meals. With its minimal ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Conclusion
This wholesome and satisfying stew is a perfect weeknight dinner option. Packed with nutrition and bursting with flavor, the French Chickpea and Spinach Stew is a dish everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of chickpeas and spinach!