This delightful Greek-inspired dish combines the wholesome goodness of chickpeas and quinoa with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It's a nutritious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Chickpeas can be found canned or dried, but make sure they are cooked before using. Quinoa is a versatile grain that is often located in the health food or grain section. Fresh spinach is usually available in the produce section, and dried oregano can be found in the spice aisle.
Ingredients For Greek Recipe
Chickpeas: These legumes are a great source of protein and fiber, adding a hearty texture to the dish.
Olive oil: This healthy fat is used for sautéing and adds a rich flavor to the recipe.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide a juicy and tangy base for the dish.
Oregano: This dried herb adds a classic Mediterranean flavor to the recipe.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, wilting down nicely into the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant and savory aroma.
Quinoa: This cooked grain serves as a nutritious and fluffy base for the dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When sautéing the garlic in olive oil, make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish, so cook it just until it's fragrant and lightly golden before adding the diced tomatoes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked chickpeas - Substitute with cooked lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor that works well in Greek recipes.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and can add a unique twist to the dish.
dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a more vibrant flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that can provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch and offers a similar garlicky flavor.
cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked bulgur: Bulgur has a similar texture and is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, making it a fitting substitute.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the Greek recipe to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled Greek recipe into an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the absorption of other odors from the fridge.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The Greek recipe will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the Greek recipe into individual servings for convenience.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date to keep track of storage time.
- When ready to eat, thaw the Greek recipe in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and maintains the texture of the chickpeas and quinoa.
- Reheat the Greek recipe in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Alternatively, microwave the Greek recipe in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Enjoy the reheated Greek recipe as is, or add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Greek recipe.
- Stir occasionally until everything is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Ensure the spinach and chickpeas are warmed evenly.
Microwave Method:
- Place the leftover Greek recipe in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the Greek recipe to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Steam Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Place the leftover Greek recipe in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes.
- Check to ensure the quinoa and spinach are heated through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Greek recipe in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Ensure the chickpeas and quinoa are evenly heated.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Used to heat the olive oil and cook the garlic, tomatoes, chickpeas, and spinach.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the saucepan to ensure even cooking.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for dicing the tomatoes and mincing the garlic.
Chef's knife: Essential for dicing the tomatoes and mincing the garlic with precision.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the chickpeas, tomatoes, and quinoa accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the olive oil and dried oregano.
Serving bowl: Used to serve the final dish over the cooked quinoa.
Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing the cooked chickpeas if they are canned.
Pot: Needed for cooking the quinoa if it is not pre-cooked.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use canned chickpeas: Save time by using canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch.
Pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to skip the washing and drying process.
Minced garlic in a jar: Use minced garlic in a jar to avoid peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
Batch cook quinoa: Cook a large batch of quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick use.
One-pan cooking: Combine all ingredients in one pan to reduce cleanup time.
Greek Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Chickpeas cooked
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup Tomatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon Oregano dried
- 1 cup Spinach fresh
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Quinoa cooked
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- 2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- 3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- 4. Stir in chickpeas, oregano, and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
- 5. Serve over cooked quinoa.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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