Have you tried this Spanish espinacas con garbanzos recipe yet
Espinacas con Garbanzos, or spinach with chickpeas, is a traditional Andalusian dish from Spain, celebrated for its rich flavors and nutritional benefits. This dish, rooted in Spanish and Moorish cuisines, reflects the historical cultural blend of southern Spain. Enjoyed during Lent and beyond, it's a year-round favorite for those seeking hearty vegetarian options. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
For this dish, gather one pound of fresh spinach (or two 10-ounce frozen packs), two cups of cooked chickpeas (canned works), four minced garlic cloves, one finely chopped large onion, two teaspoons ground cumin, one teaspoon smoked paprika, half a teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjustable), salt to taste, three tablespoons olive oil, and two tablespoons tomato paste.
Preparing the spinach
Begin by thoroughly washing fresh spinach leaves, or ensure frozen spinach is fully thawed. In a large pot over medium heat, add half the olive oil and saute half the garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add the spinach to the pot, possibly in batches if using fresh, and cook until it significantly wilts down. Once wilted, remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking chickpeas with spices
In another pan over medium heat, use the remaining olive oil to saute the onion until translucent. Add in the rest of the garlic along with cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Stir well until onions are coated with spices and fragrant. Add in chickpeas along with tomato paste; mix well until chickpeas are evenly coated with all spices.
Combining ingredients
Merge the sauteed spinach with the spiced chickpeas on low heat, stirring to ensure they're well combined. This step is key for the flavors to blend properly. Allow the mix to simmer for about five minutes, enabling the spinach and chickpeas to absorb the spices fully. This process ensures a harmonious melding of all the ingredients, enriching the dish's overall taste and aroma.
Serving suggestions
Serve this dish hot as a main or side. For authenticity, accompany it with crusty bread slices or over steamed rice for a fuller meal. Espinacas con Garbanzos is not just simple to prepare but also nutritionally beneficial, offering high fiber from chickpeas and vitamins from spinach. It's an ideal, tasty vegetarian choice that doesn't compromise on health benefits.
