Free Recipe Friday: Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
This week's free recipe from the current (9/1/23) meal plan is popular tapas in Spain.
You'll really wow your family this week!
This version serves 4, but there is also an individual version that serves 2 in the app.
Spanish Chickpea Stew (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
Serves: 4
Total Time: 25
Active Time: 10
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup dry couscous
1 small onion, dice
3-4 garlic cloves,
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander (optional)
1-2 tsp smoked paprika
dash cayenne pepper (optional)
1 bell pepper (any), seed, dice
28-oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted is best)
15-oz can chickpeas, drain, rinse
1 bag (about 12-oz) fresh spinach
sherry (or marsala wine) (optional)
1-3 tsp tomato paste (optional)
sliced almonds (optional)
Directions:
Prepare couscous: Pour 1 1/2 cups HOT water on couscous; set aside to absorb. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
For stew:
Line a large pot with water or broth, about 1/3-cup.
Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
Stir in spices to coat.
Add tomatoes (with juices).
Use your spatula to break down any big pieces.
Add bell peppers and tomato paste (if using).
Cover and simmer until peppers are soft.
Transfer HALF to a blender and puree; Return to pot.
Add a squirt or two ketchup (or 1-3 tsp brown sugar) if it's acidic.
Stir in chickpeas.
Heat over low for a few minutes.
Turn off heat and rest 5-10 minutes (or longer).
Stir in spinach until it mixes in.
Add more spices to taste, if desired, plus salt and pepper.
Add a few drops of sherry or masala wine to season, if desired.
Serve stew over couscous.
Garnish with sliced almonds or cilantro, if desired.
Notes: For Gluten-Free, substitute cooked quinoa. 1/2 or 2/3 cup tomato sauce can be substituted for tomato paste. For more smoke, add smoked paprika (I add another 1/2 to 1 tsp). For heat, add hot sauce or a dash of cayenne. Some traditional recipes finish with a splash of vinegar.
Make Ahead: Yes; but add spinach when reheated and store couscous separate.
calories 400 — fat 1.8g — carbs 78.5g — fiber 13.2g — sugars 9.2g — protein 17.7g —