Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts & Raisins Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant spinach dish combines tender chickpeas, sweet raisins, and crunchy pine nuts for a flavorful and nutritious meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect as a light lunch or side. The warm spices add depth and make it wonderfully comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
- 1 large long shallot, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 4 tbsp golden or flame raisins
- 200g spinach
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, then add the drained chickpeas and raisins. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 3: Add the spinach to the pan and stir until it is just wilted, which should take a couple of minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in the toasted pine nuts and finish with an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have pine nuts, substitute with blanched toasted almonds or try Spanish smoked almonds for a different smoky flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until just warm, being careful not to overcook the spinach again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh chickpeas need to be soaked overnight and cooked until tender before using. Canned chickpeas save time and work well in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no animal products and is perfect for a vegan diet.
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Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts & Raisins Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and nutritious spinach dish featuring tender chickpeas, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, all infused with fragrant spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Perfect as a flavorful side or a light main, this sautéed recipe is quick and easy to prepare using simple ingredients and minimal cooking time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
- 1 large long shallot, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 4 tbsp golden or flame raisins
- 200g spinach
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing.
- Sauté shallot and garlic: Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Cook them gently until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices and chickpeas: Sprinkle in half a teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir for 30 seconds to release their flavors, then add the drained chickpeas and raisins. Cook everything together for 2 minutes so the chickpeas absorb the spices and the raisins plump slightly.
- Cook the spinach: Tip in 200 grams of spinach and cook just until it wilts, stirring regularly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Finish with pine nuts and serve: Stir in 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have pine nuts, substitute with blanched toasted almonds or Spanish smoked almonds for a delicious alternative.
- You can adjust the amount of spices to taste, adding more cumin or smoked paprika for a bolder flavor.
- This dish pairs well with warm flatbread or can be served alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: spinach chickpeas pine nuts raisins cumin smoked paprika sauté vegetarian Mediterranean side dish
