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Easy • Vegetarian

Chickpea and Spinach Tomato Sauce

A hearty, vibrant, and quick vegetarian tomato sauce packed with chickpeas and fresh spinach, perfect for pasta or grains.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Chickpea and Spinach Tomato Sauce

This isn't just any tomato sauce; it's a super-charged, incredibly flavorful, and ridiculously easy Chickpea and Spinach Tomato Sauce! Whether you're looking for a quick vegetarian dinner or just want to boost your veggie intake, this saucy wonder delivers. It's fantastic over pasta, rice, polenta, or even scooped up with some crusty bread. Pure comfort!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in crushed tomatoes, rinsed chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Continue stirring until all the spinach is fully incorporated and wilted.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or polenta. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

  • For a creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic to balance the flavor.

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