Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe

Hey foodies, are you ready to dive into a bowl of flavors that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying? Let me tell you about this delightful couscous and chickpea dish that’s my new go-to for a quick, hearty meal. Perfect for when you need a tasty dish without the fuss!

Creating dishes that are both delicious and nutritious is my passion, and my Couscous with Spanish Spinach and Chickpeas is one such recipe. It’s packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and brimming with spinach.

It’s a healthy meal that satisfies. A pinch of smoked paprika takes it to the next level, making this dish simply delicious.

Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe Ingredients

• Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, adding richness and heartiness.
• Spinach: Nutrient-rich, with high iron and vitamins A and C content.
• Couscous: A good source of carbohydrates, offering a quick energy boost.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats and enhances rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep smoky flavor that makes the dish savory.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrusy notes.

Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Dismiss from the fire, add the couscous, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. No need to cook the couscous any longer than this, as it will be involved in cooking the stuffing and will firm up and not turn to mush as a result.

2. As the couscous rests, a large skillet is set over medium heat, and the olive oil is added to the skillet. Then, the onion is added to the skillet, and the mixture is cooked together.

3. Blend in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell it.

4. Put the drained and rinsed chickpeas in the skillet and cook them for 3-4 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure that they heat evenly. The chickpeas should be heated through and piping hot when you serve them.

5. Place the spinach in the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Add salt and pepper to the spinach and chickpeas. Mix well. Taste. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

7. Mix cooked couscous in the skillet with the rest of the ingredients.

8. Juice 1 lemon into the couscous mixture and toss to incorporate.

9. If necessary, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

10. Serving it warm is recommended, and if you wish, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan with lid
2. Large skillet
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Can opener
8. Cooking spoon
9. Fork
10. Citrus juicer (optional but recommended)

FAQ

• Can I use whole wheat couscous instead of regular couscous?Absolutely, whole wheat couscous can be a nutritious substitute. You might need a tad more liquid, so feel free to amend the vegetable broth as needed.
• Is there an alternative to spinach I can use?Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach. Just be sure to chop them finely so that they cook evenly.
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?Make this dish gluten-free by substituting quinoa or millet for couscous. Both are naturally gluten-free grains.
• What can I use instead of smoked paprika?If smoked paprika isn’t available, you can use regular paprika. However, the dish then lacks that lovely smoky flavor. You might try adding a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that flavor.
• Can the chickpeas be substituted with another type of bean?Indeed, substitute chickpeas for white beans or cannellini beans in this recipe. They work well.
• How can I make this dish more filling?To make it less filling, consider using shredded chicken, stir-fried vegetables, or fresh mushrooms. These are less filling but pack a ton of flavor.
• What is the best way to store leftovers?Keep any remaining portions in a sealed container in the fridge for no longer than 72 hours. Warm them in a pan or pop them in the microwave.

Couscous With Spanish Spinach Chickpeas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable stock or water: Replace with chicken stock if you want a non-vegetarian option.
Canola oil or avocado oil can be used as substitutes for olive oil.
Onion: Swap out for shallots or leeks for a different flavor.
Kale or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes for fresh spinach.
Paprika that has been smoked: If you don’t have smoked paprika, use regular paprika or ground cumin.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Couscous Before cooking, lightly toast the couscous in a dry pan for a few minutes until it turns golden. This will enhance its nutty flavor and add an extra layer of taste to your dish.

2. Infuse the Broth For more flavor, infuse your broth or water with aromatics like a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while it is boiling. Remove these before adding the couscous.

3. Enhance Chickpeas Flavor Mash a few chickpeas in the skillet once they start to heat up. This helps to thicken the mixture slightly and distribute flavor more evenly.

4. Add a Crunchy Element Top the dish with some toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, when serving. It will add a delightful crunch and contrast to the texture.

5. Fresh Herb Boost Consider mixing in a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, in addition to parsley, to elevate the freshness and complexity of flavors.