Chickpea, chorizo & spinach stew

Chickpea, chorizo & spinach stew

This Chickpea, chorizo & spinach stew offers a fragrant and hearty combination of spicy chorizo, earthy chickpeas, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for cooler evenings, it's a flavorful and comforting meal served best with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Pork

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

4

This stew melds Mediterranean and Spanish influences, highlighting the rich flavors of chorizo sausage paired with the nutty texture of chickpeas. The inclusion of warming spices like cinnamon and smoked paprika lends a subtle depth and smoky warmth to the dish. Traditionally, such stews were enjoyed in rural Spain as a nourishing, one-pot meal that combined locally available ingredients for a filling and tasty supper. The addition of fresh spinach not only brightens the color but adds a mild, tender contrast that complements the spiced sausage and chickpeas. The use of sherry vinegar introduces a pleasing tang that balances the richness, elevating the stew's complexity. This dish pairs exceptionally well with crisp, crusty bread or even steamed rice, soaking up the flavorful broth. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or casual gatherings, this stew takes modest everyday ingredients and transforms them into a soulful, satisfying meal. It invites improvisation, so feel free to adjust the spices or add other vegetables depending on your taste and pantry availability.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 1 diced Carrots
  • 1 diced Celery
  • 3 Thyme
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 2 cloves chopped Garlic
  • 200 g Chorizo
  • 0.25 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 800 g Chickpeas
  • 2 tblsp Sherry vinegar
  • 400 g Spinach

Instructions

Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and gently fry for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to softly sweat and become translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, stir in the diced carrots, celery, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Season lightly with salt and freshly cracked pepper, then continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables soften evenly without browning. Introduce the chopped garlic, diced chorizo, ground cinnamon, and smoked paprika into the pan. Gently fry this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chorizo begins to crisp and release its smoky, spicy oils, infusing the stew with robust flavor. Pour in the chickpeas along with the sherry vinegar and approximately 150ml of water. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, enough to warm the chickpeas through and blend the flavors. Finally, add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan. Stir them through the chickpea and chorizo mixture just until they start to wilt, preserving their vivid color and tender texture. Remove the pan from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve this hearty stew warm, ideally with rustic crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful juices. For an added touch, a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can bring a bright finish. Enjoy this comforting dish fresh from the pot, perfect for sharing.

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4

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