Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts, and Raisins Recipe
Introduction
This Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts & Raisins is a simple, flavorful dish that combines fresh greens with a satisfying mix of textures and sweetness. It’s perfect as a light side or a nutritious vegetarian main.
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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes until golden, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the spinach and sauté until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the chickpeas and raisins to the pan, stirring gently to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Return the toasted pine nuts to the pan. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, sauté some minced garlic with the pine nuts before adding the spinach.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different fruity note.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain excess water from the spinach before sautéing to avoid a soggy dish.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients only.
PrintSautéed Spinach with Chickpeas, Pine Nuts, and Raisins Recipe
A quick and flavorful sautéed spinach dish combined with protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy pine nuts, and sweet raisins, perfect as a nutritious side or light main.
- 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
Vegetables & Legumes
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
Nuts & Dried Fruit
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Wash and drain fresh spinach thoroughly, drain and rinse chickpeas if using canned, and measure pine nuts and raisins.
- Toast pine nuts: In a large skillet over medium heat, add pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté spinach and chickpeas: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add raisins and pine nuts: Stir in raisins and toasted pine nuts to the skillet mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing raisins to soften and flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, stir well, then remove from heat. Serve warm as a side or light main dish.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute dried cranberries for raisins for a different sweet note.
- For added heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes during sautéing.
- To make it vegan, ensure no animal-based seasonings are used.
- This dish stores well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: spinach chickpeas pine nuts raisins sautéed side dish Mediterranean vegetarian
