Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach

Name: Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 can Chickpeas (15 oz, drained and rinsed); 4 cups Baby spinach (packed); 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves Garlic (sliced); 14 oz Diced tomatoes (one can); 0.5 tsp Ground cumin; 0.25 tsp Smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes; 0.5 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Black pepper; 1 tbsp Lemon juice

A 20-minute weeknight bowl of chickpeas braised in garlicky tomato sauce with wilted spinach. High protein, high fiber, minimal effort.

vegetarian vegan gluten free dairy free

More Recipes

Prep 5 min

Cook 18 min

Total 23 min

Servings 2

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Tip: Add spices to oil before they burn—aromatic but not bitter.
Add diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
Add chickpeas. Stir to coat, then simmer 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, over rice or with crusty bread.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The spinach will be softer but the dish still tastes great. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon when reheating.

Variations

Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Eggs: Make wells in the sauce and crack 2-4 eggs into them. Cover and cook until set for a shakshuka-style meal.
Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Kale: Swap spinach for chopped kale for more texture. Add it a few minutes earlier as kale takes longer to cook.
Spicy Chickpeas with Harissa: Add 1 tbsp harissa paste with the tomatoes for a North African-inspired kick.

FAQ

What to serve with chickpeas and spinach?

Crusty bread is the classic pairing—perfect for mopping up the tomato sauce. You can also serve over rice, couscous, or with a fried egg on top for extra protein.

Can you use frozen spinach?

Yes—thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding. Use about 5 oz frozen spinach to replace 4 cups fresh. Add it with the chickpeas so it has time to heat through.

How do you add more protein to chickpea dishes?

Top with a fried egg, serve with yogurt, add crumbled feta, or pair with whole grain bread. You can also add a second can of chickpeas for more plant protein.

The Story Behind This Dish

When I have 20 minutes and no plan, this is usually what happens.

One can of chickpeas. One can of tomatoes. A bag of spinach. Garlic. Cumin. Olive oil. It’s barely a recipe, but it’s a genuinely satisfying dinner.