Delicious Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)

1 Jun 2020 5 min read 2 comments Spanish Recipes

Garbanzos con Espinacas (English: Spinach and Chickpeas) are a typical Andalusian Tapas dish. With this easy recipe, you can prepare this delicious Spanish dish in around 40 minutes.

Garbanzos con Espinacas, also known as Spinach and Chickpeas, is a delicious and nutritious dish that has gained worldwide popularity.

Combining chickpeas’ earthiness with spinach’s vibrant flavor, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe offers a delightful culinary experience.

Not only does it taste great, but it also provides numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits of Garbanzos con Espinacas

Chickpeas and spinach are the star ingredients of this flavorful dish, and they bring a wealth of nutritional value to the table.

Chickpeas, packed with protein and dietary fiber, contribute to improved digestion and enhanced satiety. They are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and manganese.

Conversely, Spinach is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and iron, making it a nutrient powerhouse. This combination of ingredients makes Garbanzos con Espinacas a wholesome and healthful choice.

plate of Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)

Variations and Customizations

One of the wonderful aspects of Garbanzos con Espinacas is its versatility.

Feel free to personalize the dish by incorporating additional ingredients or making substitutions.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Add some heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or include a finely chopped chili pepper when sautéing the onion and garlic.
  2. Creamy twist: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut milk to create a creamy texture and enhance the dish’s richness.
  3. Boost the protein: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal with an extra protein punch.
  4. Mediterranean touch: Top the dish with crumbled feta cheese or serve it alongside warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Tips for Making Perfect Garbanzos con Espinacas

To elevate your Garbanzos con Espinacas to culinary excellence, keep the following tips in mind:

  1. Cook the chickpeas until tender: If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and boil them until they are soft and easily mashed between your fingers. This will ensure a delightful texture in the final dish.
  2. Opt for fresh spinach: While you can use frozen spinach in a pinch, fresh spinach will provide vibrant color and a better overall taste.
  3. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the dish as you cook and adjust the amount of spices, salt, and pepper according to your preference. Remember, cooking is an art, and you have the freedom to experiment and find the perfect balance for your palate.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Garbanzos con Espinacas can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on your culinary imagination.

Here are a few serving suggestions and accompaniments to enhance your dining experience:

  1. Serve it as a main course: Enjoy Garbanzos con Espinacas as a satisfying vegetarian meal by pairing it with rice, quinoa, or couscous.
  2. Side dish delight: Use it as a flavorful side dish to complement grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or fish.
  3. Tapas time: Serve the dish in small portions as part of a tapas spread, alongside other Spanish-inspired delights such as patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo.
  4. Brunch bliss: Create a delightful brunch by topping Garbanzos con Espinacas with a poached egg and serving it with crusty bread or warm tortillas.

Garbanzos con Espinacas: A Versatile Dish

Garbanzos con Espinacas is not only a standalone dish; it can also be incorporated into various recipes to add a nutritious and flavorful touch.

Consider using it as a filling for stuffed peppers, a topping for baked potatoes, or a base for grain bowls.

The possibilities are endless, and this dish allows you to unleash your culinary creativity.

Cultural Significance of Garbanzos con Espinacas

Garbanzos con Espinacas has deep-rooted cultural significance, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. Originating from Spain, it showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region.

The dish reflects the influence of various cultures, including the Moors, who introduced spinach to the Iberian Peninsula, and the Sephardic Jews, who incorporated chickpeas into their traditional recipes.

Garbanzos con Espinacas serves as a delicious reminder of the diverse historical influences that shape our modern culinary landscape.

Garbanzos con Espinacas Ingredients

Here is what you will need to prepare Garbanzos con Espinacas at home:

  • 1 jar (500gram or 18 ounces) of garbanzos (chickpeas)
  • Around 300 grams or 10 ounces of fresh, washed spinach
  • 3 slices of day-old bread
  • ¼ cup of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of Sherry vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 15 unsalted almonds
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Seasalt
  • Black pepper

Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)

Suppose you’re craving a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines chickpeas’ earthiness with spinach’s vibrant taste.

In that case, Garbanzos con Espinacas, also known as Spinach and Chickpeas, is the perfect recipe for you.

This Mediterranean-inspired delight not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a range of health benefits.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious dish!

Yield: 4

Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)

plate of Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)

Garbanzos con Espinacas (English: Spinach and Chickpeas) is a typical Andalusian Tapas dish. With this easy recipe, you can prepare this delicious Spanish dish in around 40 minutes.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 jar (500gram or 18 ounces) of garbanzos (chickpeas)
  • Around 300 grams or 10 ounces of fresh, washed spinach
  • 3 slices of day-old bread
  • ¼ cup of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of Sherry vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 15 unsalted almonds
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Seasalt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

    1. Heat up around 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and add the washed spinach.
    2. Sauté the spinach until it is just wilted and remove it from the heat.
    3. Heat up another 3 tablespoons of extra olive oil. Remove the crust from the bread and add it to the pan, together with the raw almonds. Fry until the bread and the almonds are crispy.
    4. Cut the garlic and add it to the pan as well as one teaspoon of ground cumin, cayenne, and black pepper. Sauté until the garlic turns brown.
    5. Transfer the ingredients to a blender and add two tablespoons of Sherry vinegar.
    6. Blend everything until you have a thick paste.
    7. Add the paste together with one jar of garbanzos and 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to the pan.
    8. Stir carefully until the garbanzos are covered with the paste and tomato sauce.
    9. Add the spinach to the pan, season with sea salt and pepper, and stir until everything is well mixed.
    10. Enjoy your home-made Garbanzos con Espinacas (Spinach and Chickpeas)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 6349Total Fat: 552gSaturated Fat: 44gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 483gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 356mgCarbohydrates: 235gFiber: 118gSugar: 53gProtein: 224g

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch?

Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are a convenient alternative and can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the dish.

Can I substitute spinach with another leafy green?

Yes, you can experiment with other leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, if you prefer. Keep in mind that the taste and texture of the dish may vary slightly.

Is Garbanzos con Espinacas suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, Garbanzos con Espinacas is a perfect choice for both vegans and vegetarians. It’s a plant-based dish that provides ample protein and nutrients.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Certainly! Garbanzos con Espinacas freezes well. Store the leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Are there any gluten-free alternatives to serve with this dish?

Absolutely! If you’re following a gluten-free diet, consider pairing Garbanzos con Espinacas with gluten-free bread, quinoa, or rice.

Delicious Garbanzos con Espinacas, or Spinach and Chickpeas, offers a flavorful and nutritious dining experience.

This versatile dish can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a favorite among food lovers worldwide.

From its health benefits to its cultural significance, Garbanzos con Espinacas showcases the beauty of Mediterranean cuisine.

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and indulge in this delightful combination of flavors.

Tim Kroeger
Author: Tim Kroeger

Tim learned to appreciate the Spanish cuisine during his many travels to Spain. He now lives in Spain always in search of new easy, and delicious recipes. Tim likes to travel to Spain's different regions to learn more about Spanish Food from the locals and to try traditional dishes from all parts of Spain.

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2 responses to “Delicious Garbanzos con Espinacas Recipe (Spinach and Chickpeas)”

  1. Ana Rosa Cárdenas

    Gracias por tu receta,los he hecho y me salieron muy ricos !!

    1. Con mucho gusto. Me alegro mucho! 🙂

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