Spinach and Chickpeas with Couscous
Brighten up your weeknight dinners with this vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired Spinach and Chickpeas with Couscous recipe! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tender spinach, and fluffy couscous, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days. The warm spices of cumin and paprika deepen the flavor, while a splash of zesty lemon juice ties everything together beautifully. Customize it with a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a garnish of fresh parsley for added freshness. Serve it as a hearty vegetarian main or an impressive side dish—it's a simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying option that you'll want to make on repeat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons optional: red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons optional: fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
While the couscous rests, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Mince 3 garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of paprika, cooking for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Add the drained and rinsed canned chickpeas to the skillet. Stir to coat in the spices, and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Add 4 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted, stirring frequently, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the cooked couscous into the spinach and chickpea mixture. Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve warm as a standalone dish or as a side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.7 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 390 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.7 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 81 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
