Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spinach with Chickpeas)

 

Espinacas con Garbanzos (Spinach with Chickpeas)

(A traditional Spanish dish from Andalusia, featuring tender chickpeas, wilted spinach, and warm, smoky spices.)

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup tomato sauce (or 1 grated ripe tomato)
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 slices stale bread, torn into pieces
• ½ cup vegetable broth (or water, if needed)

For Serving:

• Extra olive oil, for drizzling
• ½ tsp sweet paprika, for garnish
• Toasted bread or crusty bread, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Toast the Bread:

• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the torn bread pieces and toast until golden and crispy.
• Transfer the toasted bread to a mortar and pestle (or food processor).

2. Make the Sofrito:

• In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of olive oil.
• Sauté the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

3. Blend the Bread Mixture:

• Add the toasted bread to a mortar and grind it into a paste with vinegar and a few spoonfuls of vegetable broth.
• Alternatively, blend the bread, vinegar, and broth in a food processor until smooth.

4. Simmer the Dish:

• Add the chickpeas and tomato sauce to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the bread mixture, mixing well to thicken the sauce.
• Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 3 minutes).
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve & Garnish:

• Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sweet paprika before serving.
• Serve warm with toasted or crusty bread.

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Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Rich and smoky flavor from authentic Spanish paprika.
✅ Thick, velvety sauce using traditional bread thickening.
✅ Perfectly balanced acidity from sherry vinegar.
✅ Wholesome and nutritious, packed with plant-based protein and fiber.

Would you like to add a fried egg or some pine nuts for extra texture? 😊

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