Spinach with Chickpeas (Espinacas con Garbanzos) is a savory Spanish dish with fresh spinach, garbanzo beans, and simple seasonings. Serve as a side dish with Grilled Polenta or as a main dish over Spinach Rice.
Spanish-Style Spinach with Chickpeas
This classic combination of garbanzo beans and wilted spinach is quick to make and full of savory, satisfying flavor. The cumin brings a warm, earthy note while garlic and onion add depth. Everything cooks in one skillet and comes together in under 15 minutes.
Espinacas con Garbanzos is a great option for when you want something hearty and healthy without a lot of fuss. It’s quick comfort food with roots in traditional Spanish cooking, and fits right into a weeknight dinner rotation.
This simple dish works well on its own for lunch too, and leftovers can be kept and reheated easily, so it’s also a nice one to prep ahead.
Ingredients for Spinach with Chickpeas (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
You’ll need the following:
- Olive Oil – Just enough to coat the pan and bring everything together.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic – The aromatic base. Together, they give the dish depth and a savory backbone without overpowering the spinach.
- Baby Spinach – It will feel like a lot of spinach but it cooks down quickly!
- Garbanzo Beans – Canned garbanzos/chickpeas work perfectly here.
- Seasonings – Ground cumin adds warmth and depth, and salt balances the flavors at the end.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen spinach works here too. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet. Since it’s already soft, reduce the cook time slightly and add it after the onions have softened.
What’s the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas?
- Nothing; they are two names for the same legume. You’ll see both used interchangeably in recipes and on store labels.
How to Make Spinach with Chickpeas (Espinacas con Garbanzos)
STEP ONE: Sauté the onion and spinach. Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and spinach. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and the spinach has wilted.
STEP TWO: Add the garlic. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
STEP THREE: Add the beans and seasonings. Reduce the heat to low and add the garbanzo beans, cumin, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, until heated through.
STEP FOUR: Serve. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Make It Vegan 🌱
- This recipe is naturally vegan as written—no substitutions needed.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Spinach with Chickpeas (Espinacas con Garbanzos) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion minced
- 6 cups baby spinach chopped
- 1 15-ounce garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and spinach. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and the spinach has wilted.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the garbanzo beans, cumin, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
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