If you walk through the winding streets of Seville, especially during the cooler months or in Lent, you’re bound to find a steaming plate of Espinacas con Garbanzos being served in local tapas bars. This humble yet deeply flavorful dish — spinach cooked with chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and paprika — is a true representation of Andalusian comfort food.
It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a dish that tells a story of Spain’s rich culinary history, shaped by Moorish influence, religious traditions, and a love for wholesome ingredients.
A Brief History of Espinacas con Garbanzos
The origins of Espinacas con Garbanzos can be traced back to the time of Al-Andalus, when the Moors ruled much of Spain between the 8th and 15th centuries. Chickpeas (garbanzos) and spinach were staple ingredients introduced from the Middle East and North Africa. The combination of these two nutritious foods quickly became part of the local cuisine.
Later, the dish gained importance during Semana Santa (Holy Week), when meat-free meals were encouraged for religious reasons. Spaniards turned to legumes, vegetables, and spices to create hearty dishes that could sustain them — and Espinacas con Garbanzos became a star.
Why This Dish is So Loved in Andalusia
In Andalusia, food is about flavor, simplicity, and tradition. This dish checks all three boxes:
- Flavor: Sweet smoked paprika (pimentón dulce) adds warmth, garlic brings depth, and cumin adds an exotic touch.
- Simplicity: It requires just a handful of everyday ingredients.
- Tradition: Every family and tapas bar has their own way of making it — some make it creamier, others chunkier, but the essence remains the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Espinacas con Garbanzos at home, you’ll need:
- 400g cooked chickpeas (garbanzos) – you can use canned for convenience or soak and boil them yourself for extra flavor.
- 300g fresh spinach (or frozen, well-drained)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika (pimentón dulce)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A slice of stale bread for thickening
- Crusty bread for serving
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the flavor base
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden brown. Be careful not to burn it — burnt garlic can make the dish bitter.
2. Add the spices
Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin. Let them bloom in the oil for a few seconds — this releases their aroma and infuses the oil with flavor.
3. Wilt the spinach
Add spinach to the pan. If using fresh spinach, it may seem like too much, but it will shrink significantly as it cooks. Stir until fully wilted.
4. Add the chickpeas
Stir in the chickpeas, mixing them well with the spinach and spices. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer and blend flavors
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors. If you prefer a thicker, stew-like texture, you can blend a small portion of the chickpeas and stir them back into the pan.
6. Serve hot
Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s also incredibly healthy:
- High in plant-based protein from chickpeas
- Rich in iron and vitamins from spinach
- Heart-healthy fats from olive oil
- Low in cholesterol and suitable for vegetarian diets
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Creamy texture: Blend more chickpeas into the sauce for a smoother consistency.
- Extra flavor: Add roasted red peppers or a splash of sherry vinegar for depth.
Where to Try It in Spain
If you ever visit Andalusia, the best cities to try Espinacas con Garbanzos are Seville, Córdoba, and Granada. In Seville, head to the old quarter and look for traditional tapas bars — you’ll often find this dish served in small clay bowls (cazuelas), still bubbling from the kitchen.
FAQs – Espinacas con Garbanzos
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the pan.
Q2: Is Espinacas con Garbanzos vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products.
Q3: Can I prepare it in advance?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have developed.
Q4: How can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick.
Q5: What is the best bread to serve with it?
A crusty baguette or rustic sourdough pairs wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Espinacas con Garbanzos is a dish that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to create something unforgettable. With just spinach, chickpeas, garlic, and a few spices, you can bring a taste of Andalusia into your kitchen — and maybe even a piece of its history.
Saborespana.es is your ultimate guide to authentic Spanish cuisine, featuring traditional recipes, regional specialties, and healthy Mediterranean dishes. Discover a variety of Spanish salads, tapas, seafood recipes, and classic desserts, each explained step-by-step with cultural background and cooking tips. From Andalusian favorites like Ajo Blanco and Remojón Granadino to hearty dishes such as Ensalada Campera, our collection helps you explore the rich flavors of Spain right from your kitchen