There’s something about garlic sizzling in a hot pan that makes me feel instantly at home. It’s that warm, familiar smell that promises something good is coming.
My grandmother used to say, “If you don’t start with garlic, what are you even cooking?” And she wasn’t wrong.
This Garlicky Spinach & Chickpea Stir-Fry is my go-to when I want something easy, hearty, and packed with nutrients. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel good—like you’re taking care of yourself without even trying.
Chickpeas bring the protein, spinach brings the greens, and garlic? Well, garlic brings the magic. And the best part? Everything comes together in under 20 minutes using fresh, local ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Let the chickpeas crisp up: Don’t rush this step! Letting them sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring creates a golden, slightly crunchy texture.
- Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic in a jar just doesn’t have the same punch.
- Don’t overcook the spinach: It wilts super fast. Remove it from heat once it turns bright green.
- Lemon juice is key: It brightens up all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it heartier: Add roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, or sliced mushrooms.
- Turn it into a wrap: Stuff the stir-fry into a warm tortilla with hummus.
- Swap the greens: Kale or Swiss chard work great if spinach isn’t available.
- Add protein: Crumbled feta, grilled tofu, or even a fried egg on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Perfect for a balanced, filling meal.
- With Warm Pita & Hummus: Scoop it up with fluffy pita bread.
- Topped with Avocado Slices: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Garlicky Spinach & Chickpea Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Description
A quick and easy stir-fry made with fresh spinach, crispy chickpeas, and lots of garlic for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 large bunch)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (optional for extra umami)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, adds cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown—burnt garlic is no fun.
- Add the chickpeas, stirring occasionally, and let them crisp up a bit (about 5 minutes). This gives them a nice texture.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so everything gets coated in flavor.
- Toss in the spinach, letting it wilt down (this only takes 1-2 minutes). If the pan looks dry, add a splash of water.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the soy sauce (if using). Give everything a good stir.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with nutritional yeast (if using) and fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot, straight from the pan, with warm pita bread, quinoa, or brown rice.
Notes
Can be customized with different greens, proteins, or served as a wrap.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~280 per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~320mg (depends on added salt & soy sauce)
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
