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Easy Hearty Chickpea Spinach Stew Recipe for Gestational Diabetes Care

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A quick and easy chickpea and spinach stew that is hearty, comforting, and balanced to support gestational diabetes management. This flavorful stew uses simple pantry staples and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each / 425 g) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 5 oz (140 g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
  4. Add the drained chickpeas and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom to deglaze any bits stuck to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Let the stew simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld and broth to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in the thawed, squeezed-dry spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and vibrant.
  7. Taste and add salt as needed. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or red chili flakes.

Notes

Do not rush sautéing onions; sweat them until tender and sweet for best flavor. Add garlic after onions soften to avoid bitterness. Toast spices briefly in oil to release essential oils. Drain and rinse canned chickpeas well to reduce sodium and canned taste. Adjust stew thickness by adding broth or simmering longer. Optional additions include sweet potato, shredded chicken, lentils, or coconut milk for creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chickpea stew, spinach stew, gestational diabetes recipe, healthy stew, vegan stew, quick dinner, plant-based protein, diabetic friendly