Chickpeas with spinach are a classic that never fails. A perfect spoon dish to feel extra comfort on the coldest days of winter. This recipe has different versions, where in addition to legumes and vegetables you can add whatever you like to taste, from pumpkin to a fried egg, as chef José Andrés does. Be that as it may, the experts' trick to make this dish perfect is to add the spinach a few minutes before serving, integrating it well with the rest over low heat.
When there are only five minutes of cooking left is when the spinach is added. This is how chef Dani García explains it in an RTVE program where he prepared his own recipe for vigil stew, a classic of Holy Week. Here, in addition to chickpeas and spinach, cod is also a great protagonist. Additionally, you can also add egg and potatoes, but the step that makes the difference is the moment in which you add the vegetables.
The chef insists: “At the last moment we add the fresh spinach to the pot to give it a burst of heat along with the chickpeas and cod. Then we sprinkle with chopped hard-boiled egg when serving.” Although each one proposes their star version with their own tricks for this classic stew, all chefs follow this tip.
Chef Jose Andrés also opts for adding spinach at the end. This is how he explained it in his newsletter from Substack where he shares cooking tips and tricks, as well as some infallible recipes in his daily life. Among his 2025 favorites there was no shortage of chickpeas with spinach, yes, this is his wife's version that follows the guidelines of a classic Andalusian stew where the egg also plays a leading role but this time it is fried.
Whatever recipe you choose, your chickpeas with spinach are a great choice for a February meal to surprise your guests with. Whether you want to strictly follow the traditional vigil stew recipe or opt for a different version based on pumpkin and other vegetables, the spinach trick is what will make the difference between a good dish and an excellent one.
