Description
A vibrant and healthy dish combining tender spinach with protein-rich chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, and sweet raisins, all seasoned with aromatic spices and infused with garlic and shallots. Perfect as a nutritious side or a light main.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle
- 1 large long shallot, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 200g spinach
Spices and Flavorings
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Other Ingredients
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 4 tbsp golden or flame raisins
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic cloves, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices, chickpeas, and raisins: Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, then add the drained chickpeas and golden raisins. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to coat the chickpeas and the raisins to plump slightly.
- Wilt the spinach: Tip in the spinach leaves and cook until they are just wilted but still vibrant green, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Finish with pine nuts and serve: Stir in the toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added richness before serving warm.
Notes
- If you don’t have pine nuts, substitute with blanched toasted almonds or Spanish smoked almonds for a lovely alternative flavor and texture.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly yourself over medium heat before adding.
- This dish pairs well as a side with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian main served with crusty bread or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: spinach recipe, chickpeas, pine nuts, raisins, vegetarian side dish, Mediterranean flavors, healthy recipe
