Description
A vibrant and nutritious dish combining tender spinach with hearty chickpeas, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy toasted pine nuts, all infused with warm spices for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Legumes
- 200g spinach
- 400g can chickpeas, drained
- 1 large long shallot, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
Spices & Flavorings
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Nuts & Fruits
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- 4 tbsp golden or flame raisins
Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté shallot and garlic: Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic to the pan, cooking gently until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add spices, chickpeas, and raisins: Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, then add the drained chickpeas and golden raisins. Cook with stirring for about 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Wilt the spinach: Tip in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, usually 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine everything evenly.
- Finish with pine nuts and oil: Stir in the toasted pine nuts and drizzle a little more olive oil on top before serving to enhance richness and texture.
Notes
- If pine nuts are unavailable, substitute with blanched toasted almonds or Spanish smoked almonds for a similar nutty crunch.
- This dish works well as a side or light vegetarian main paired with crusty bread or quinoa.
- Use fresh spinach over frozen for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust spices to taste for a milder or spicier profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: spinach, chickpeas, pine nuts, raisins, Mediterranean, vegetarian, quick, healthy, side dish
