Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts, and Raisins Recipe
Introduction
This Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts & Raisins is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines earthy greens with sweet and crunchy accents. It’s quick to prepare and perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them until golden, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the cooked chickpeas and raisins to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through for about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of cumin.
- Use toasted almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts for a different crunch.
- Try adding garlic or chopped onions sautéed at the beginning for more depth.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, canned chickpeas work well and save time. Just rinse and drain them before cooking.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. This recipe contains only plant-based ingredients, making it a great vegan option.
PrintSautéed Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts, and Raisins Recipe
A simple and nutritious dish featuring sautéed spinach combined with protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy pine nuts, and sweet raisins, seasoned to perfection. This flavorful and healthy recipe makes a great side or light main dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim the fresh spinach thoroughly. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them under cold water. Mince the garlic finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Toast pine nuts: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove and set aside to prevent burning.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: Using the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning. Then add the fresh spinach, sautéing until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and raisins: Stir in the cooked chickpeas and raisins to the wilted spinach. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to warm through.
- Season and finish: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top just before serving to retain their crunch.
- Serve: Transfer the spinach, chickpeas, pine nuts, and raisins mixture to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
Notes
- Toasting pine nuts prevents them from tasting bitter and enhances their nutty flavor.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture; baby spinach can also be substituted.
- Rinsing canned chickpeas reduces excess sodium.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving, if desired.
- This dish can be served over couscous, rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
- To make this vegan, ensure olive oil is used instead of butter.
Keywords: spinach chickpeas pine nuts raisins sauté Mediterranean vegetarian healthy side dish
