Easy Peasy Chickpea Spinach Cazuela

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and rich in plant-based protein and fiber? This Chickpea Cazuela is your answer. Inspired by one of my favorite Spanish tapas dishes at a local Atlanta restaurant, this version swaps traditional meat for creamy, satisfying chickpeas and adds in a generous handful of spinach for a burst of greens.

While it’s not made in a traditional cazuela (the earthenware cooking pot the dish is named after), it still captures that rustic, cozy essence—especially when served warm with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping lunches for the week, this easy one-pan meal delivers on nutrition and flavor.

What's a Cazuela?

Confession: I didn’t actually use a cazuela to make this dish. In fact, I had to look up the word after falling in love with a Spinach Chickpea Cazuela at a local Spanish tapas restaurant called Barcelona here in Atlanta.

According to Wikipedia:

“Cazuela is the common name given to a variety of dishes, especially from South America. It receives its name from the cazuela (Spanish for cooking pot) in which it is cooked. The ingredients and preparation vary from region to region, but it is usually a mid-thick flavored stock obtained from cooking several kinds of meats and vegetables mixed together.”

In my plant-based version, chickpeas stand in as the “meat,” and spinach brings the veggie power.

This simple yet flavor-packed dish is one of my go-to meals for three reasons: it’s incredibly easy to throw together, it’s bursting with warm, savory flavor (hello, cumin lovers!), and it’s nourishing enough to keep you full and satisfied for hours.

The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Pair it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, and you’ve got a meal that hits every mark.

Chickpea Spinach Cazuela Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Chickpea Spinach Cazuela Ingredients

• 2 BPA-free 15-ounce cans of chickpeas, save the brine

• 2 Tbsps olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup veggie broth

• 3–5 cups raw spinach (depending on how deliciously green you want it)

• 2 Tbsps cumin

• squeeze of two medium lemons or 1 large

• smoked paprika, to taste

• 1–2 pinches cayenne pepper (optional, if you like it spicy)

• salt and pepper to your liking

Chickpea Spinach Cazuela Optional Toppings

• nutritional yeast

• chopped herbs of choice

Directions for Making Chickpea Spinach Cazuela

1. Add the chickpeas (separate the brine) to a large bowl and, with a wooden spoon or fork, mash half of the chickpeas until they are a bit crumbly or in smaller pieces. Set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a wok or large stovetop pan. 

3. Add the chopped onion, cook for two minutes in the pan.

4. Add the minced garlic and the veggie broth, cook for an additional two minutes.

5. Add the chickpeas plus 3/4 c of the brine. Mix together with the onion and garlic. 

6. Add the cumin, cayenne, squeeze of lemon. Mix together and let simmer until all of the liquid (brine and veggie broth) is completely absorbed.

7. Finally, add the spinach and mix into the chickpeas until the spinach is wilted. 

8. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

9. Divide between serving plates or transfer the dish to a serving plate. Sprinkle with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper, if desired.

10. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Delicious and nutritious additions: Whole grain bread, basil, dill, and parsley

Plant-Based Goodness in Every Bite

Whether you're serving this Chickpea Cazuela as a main course or a flavorful side, it's sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly satisfying—with enough bold flavor to keep your taste buds happy and your body fueled.

Don’t forget to make extra—this dish tastes even better the next day! And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Tag me on social or drop a comment below with your own twist on this flavorful favorite. 🌱✨

Nutrition Information

Per serving (6 servings): 188 calories, 25 grams carbohydrates (22 grams net carbohydrates), 7 grams fiber, 8 grams protein, 7.5 grams fat, 223 milligrams sodium

Good source of vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc