Spinach and Chickpeas

Spinach and Chickpeas

Spinach and Chickpeas

This Moroccan dish has Spanish influences; with Spain being right across the Alboran sea. What makes this dish unique is that cubed bread is sautéed with garlic and spices, then processed into a paste with red wine vinegar. The paste is used as a thickening agent to bring all of the ingredients together. The spinach and chickpeas are seasoned with smoked paprika and a little freshly squeezed lemon juice to add acidity.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keyword: main course, Moroccan, north african, vegan
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz baby spinach
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas drained
  • 1 slice bread cubed
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves sliced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • lemon juice

Instructions

  • Heat up 2 tbsp of the oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add in the spinach. Season with salt.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Cook for 4 minutes until it is wilted. Remove from the pan.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Add in 1 tbsp of oil. Sauté the bread cubes for 5 minutes.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Add in the last tbsp of oil and sauté the garlic, cumin, and chili flakes for a minute.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Add the contents of the pan to a food processor. Pour in the red wine vinegar.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Process into a paste.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Add the paste back into the sauté pan with the chickpeas and tomato sauce. Cook for 5 minutes.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
  • Add the spinach back in. Cook for a minute. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
    Moroccan, main course, vegan
Moroccan, main course, vegan
Squeeze a little lemon juice over before serving.