A vibrant and beloved dish from Spain, it is the most flavourful dish with aromatic spices. It is more than just a simple stew. You have to try this if you want a comforting, healthy, and delicious dish. It is full of protein and nutrients and simple to make. You can enjoy this as a Vegetarian main course or a delightful side dish.
A traditional dish from Andalusia in southern Spain. It brings together tender chickpeas and fresh spinach in a warm, garlicky stew seasoned with paprika and olive oil. It is soulful and the brightness of the kitchen.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make Gazpachos con espinacas. It is not difficult, and I am going to share this recipe with you. At the same time, I am so excited for this dish. So without wasting time, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Garbanzos con Espinacas?
It is a Spanish dish which is very popular for its stew or tapa vegetarian flavour. It is very prominent in the region of Andalusia, particularly in Seville. It is a very humble and simple dish; the ingredients include stewed chickpeas and spinach with garlic, olive oil, and smoky paprika. Its consistency is like stew, which is very comforting.
When we combine these simple ingredients, it makes an enjoyable and healthy dish. A good quality is that it is served in clay dishes, and is famous during Holy Week. You can have this as a light meal, side dish, or part of a tapas spread. You can have this in local bars in Spain.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love Garbanzos con Espinacas for so many reasons. It is that dish that has love and flavour in every bite. Here you can check the reasons.
- Quick to Make: This is not complicated. With canned chickpeas and fresh or frozen spinach, you can have this ready in under 30 minutes. You dont have to spend hours in the kitchen for this.
- Protein-Packed and Plant-Based: It’s a natural vegetarian style, fully packed with fiber and Plant-protein, making it more healthy and hearty.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: It is very budget-friendly. You only need a few pantry staples—like garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika—but the result is rich.
- Comforting Yet Light: There is something more comforting about a warm. It has filling but not being heavy, it’s warming and filling without being heavy, ideal for any season.
Basic Ingredients
You don’t need much to make this delicious Spanish stew—just a few wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 3–4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra depth)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón dulce – sweet smoked paprika for that signature Spanish flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional but adds warmth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A splash of sherry vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional but highly recommended)
These simple ingredients come together to create such a bold and delicious flavour with minimal effort.
“Hearty, humble, and full of flavor—Lentejas Estofadas is Spanish comfort food at its finest.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly in just one pan. Here’s how to make it:
1. Sauté the garlic and spices
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic (and onion if using). Fry until it turns brown and crispy. It takes 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin, cooking for another 30 seconds. It helps them to enhance their aroma.
2. Add the chickpeas and simmer
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan. Stir it continuously so that it is coated with spiced oil.
- Broth the vegetables about ¼ cup with a Pour in a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to keep things moist
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors can melt into your mouth.
3. Add the spinach and season
- Wilt the spinach completely if you are using fresh.
- Thaw it completely if you are using frozen spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated.
Tips for the Best Garbanzos con Espinacas
Want to take your dish from good to great? Here are a few simple tips to make sure your garbanzos con espinacas are full of authentic flavor:
- Use smoked paprika (pimentón ahumado) for that signature Spanish taste. Toast your spices for an aromatic taste.
- Fresh vs. frozen spinach: Both work well! Fresh spinach gives a slightly lighter texture and flavor, while frozen spinach is convenient and cooks down quickly. Just make sure to drain frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Sherry vinegar or lemon juice is a key for brightness. It brightens the whole dish.
- Top with a fried egg if you’re not keeping it vegan. The creamy yolk adds richness and turns it into a complete, satisfying meal.
- These little touches can make a big difference and help you customize the dish to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing ideas makes it more versatile and delicious. Here are some ideas you can enjoy:
- Serve with crusty bread:
- Enjoy as a tapa, side dish, or main
- Pair with a glass of Spanish red wine
- With protein
- Toasted almonds
- Pair with patatas bravas
Conclusion
Garbanzos con espinacas is truly a wonderful dish with a combination of earthy, savory, and smoky flavours. It is quick to make and so comforting to eat. It is fully packed with flavours. Natural plant-based things nourish the dish. A good quality that you can have at a party, a weekend night, a healthy lunch, and in some other contexts.
Tonight is the time to try this with the Andalusian classic. You will be amazed at how easy it is to bring a taste of Spain to your kitchen. You can try this with your versions, as mentioned in the recipes. It is a comfort food with a twist. Share the reviews with me after preparing this. I will be so grateful. Don’t forget to share this with your family, friends, and loved ones!
