Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpea Stew)

Often associated with Seville, espinacas con garbanzos brings together tender chickpeas and wilted spinach in a thick tomato sauce scented with sweet paprika and cumin. It is the kind of Spanish stew that relies on pantry ingredients but delivers plenty of depth: softened onion and garlic form the savoury base, the chickpeas absorb the spiced sauce, and sherry vinegar sharpens the finish without making it sour. Served warm with good bread, it works as a satisfying vegan dinner, a generous side dish or part of a relaxed tapas-style spread.
Cuisine style Spanish home cooking
Flavor profile Savoury • Earthy • Tangy
Techniques Sautéing • Simmering
Spice level Mild
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered savoury base: Slowly softened onion, garlic, sweet paprika and cumin give the tomato sauce depth before the chickpeas are added.
  • Bright finish: Sherry vinegar cuts through the earthiness of the spinach and chickpeas, keeping the stew lively rather than heavy.
  • Good for leftovers: The chickpeas absorb more flavour as the stew sits, making it well suited to reheating the next day.

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Authenticity notes

  • Spanish-style flavour base: Sweet paprika, cumin and sherry vinegar give the stew its recognisably Spanish character, with a flavour profile often linked to Andalusian cooking.
  • Serve with bread: Good crusty bread is the natural pairing, useful for scooping up the thick tomato and paprika sauce.

Ingredient notes

  • Use sweet paprika: Sweet paprika gives warmth and colour without chilli heat. Keep the heat gentle when adding it so it does not turn bitter.
  • Adjust the vinegar at the end: Add the sherry vinegar after simmering, then taste. A little extra can sharpen the stew if the tomatoes are very sweet.

Texture tips

  • For a thicker stew: Simmer uncovered for a little longer so the tomato sauce reduces and coats the chickpeas more fully.
  • Add spinach near the end: Stir the spinach in by handfuls towards the end of cooking so it wilts into the stew without becoming dull or overcooked.

Make-ahead tips

  • Better after resting: The flavours deepen after a night in the fridge, making this a useful make-ahead dinner.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot throughout.
  • Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Finely chop the onion and thinly slice the garlic. Roughly chop the parsley, keeping a small pinch aside for serving.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sweet paprika and ground cumin and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the spices do not catch.
  4. Tip in the tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce looks slightly thickened and the tomatoes have broken down.
  5. Add the chickpeas and 200 ml water, then return to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes so the chickpeas take on the flavour of the sauce.
  6. Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted before adding more. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the stew is glossy and the spinach is tender.
  7. Stir in the sherry vinegar and most of the parsley, then taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve warm, topped with the reserved parsley.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Good bread

Tips

  • Keep the heat low when adding the sweet paprika so it stays sweet and does not turn bitter.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer for an extra 5 minutes with the lid off, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, ensure the stew is simmered until piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace sherry vinegar with red wine vinegar for a similar tang.
  • Replace fresh parsley with fresh coriander for a different herbal finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of water until piping hot; the flavours improve after a day. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spanish Spinach and Chickpea Stew)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 45min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Spanish
Beginner friendly With serving suggestions One pot Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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