Chickpea, Spinach & Almond Butter Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Chickpea, Spinach & Almond Butter Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a wholesome meal. Packed with warm spices and creamy almond butter, it comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with rice for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2½ cm piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp fenugreek
• 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 300ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp unsalted almond butter
• 200g spinach, roughly chopped
• Cooked rice, to serve

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chopped onions for 5 minutes. Add 50ml of water and continue cooking for 7 more minutes until the onions are just brown. Then add the crushed garlic and grated ginger and cook briefly.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, and some black pepper with 2 tablespoons of water. Pour this spice mixture into the pan and cook for 5 minutes to release the flavors, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in the drained chickpeas, followed by the vegetable stock and almond butter. Mix well to combine the almond butter evenly throughout.
4. Step 4: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
5. Step 5: Serve the chickpea and spinach mixture hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked chicken or tofu cubes when stirring in the chickpeas.
• Swap almond butter for peanut butter if preferred, but choose unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors.
• If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes with the spices.
• Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chickpea and spinach mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach works best for texture and flavor, but if you use canned, drain it well and add it towards the end of cooking to gently warm through.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian, using plant-based ingredients throughout.