Are you yearning for a comforting meal that bursts with vibrant colors and nutritious goodness? Look no further! This recipe is a delightful medley of assorted veggies and spinach cascading over a hearty, nutrient-packed sweet potato.
While stews are often associated with winter, this particular concoction is perfect for the blossoming spring and sets the stage for the bountiful vegetables that summer promises. Packed with wholesome qualities and an explosion of flavors, this dish is a refreshing take on comfort food.
The Culinary Delight
A big shout-out to The Kitchn for bringing us this delectable creation. Brace yourself for an enticing fusion of fresh baby spinach and chickpeas slow-cooked with invigorating ginger, garlic, and onion, all bathed in a luscious coconut milk sauce. The final touch of zesty lemon transforms this hearty blend into a culinary masterpiece. Serve it generously over a baked sweet potato, and you have a comforting dish that doubles as your daily vegetable fix.
The Ingredients - Enough for Four as a Main Dish or Six as a Side
- 2 Teaspoons Oil or Ghee
- 1 Small Yellow Onion
- 1/2 Cup Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 4 Large Cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Peeled and Grated Fresh Ginger
- Finely Grated Zest of 1 Large Lemon
- 1 Dried Hot Red Pepper or Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can Chickpeas, Drained and Rinsed
- 1 Pound Baby Spinach
- 1 (13 to 14-Ounce) Can Coconut Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (Plus More as Needed)
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 Teaspoon Salt (Plus More as Needed)
For Serving
- 4 Whole Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Scrubbed Clean
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves
- Toasted Unsweetened Coconut
Step-by-Step Culinary Symphony
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Prick holes in the sweet potatoes to create steam vents, preventing any potential bursts.
Bake for forty to fifty minutes, or until a fork easily glides through the thickest part. Once done, allow them to cool before splitting the tops open with a knife.
Start Cooking the Ingredients for the Potatoes
In a large pot or deep Dutch oven, heat the oil or ghee over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until they acquire a golden-brown hue, around five minutes. Introduce the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh ginger, lemon zest, and optional red pepper. Stir frequently and let it cook for an additional three minutes.
Add the Chickpeas
Toss in the chickpeas and cook over high heat until they take on a golden tint and are enveloped in the flavorful onion and garlic mix.
Bring it All Together
Gradually add the spinach, one handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Once all the spinach is in, introduce the coconut milk, lemon juice, ground ginger, and salt. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about ten minutes until the chickpeas are thoroughly warmed. Taste and adjust with more salt and lemon juice if desired.
The Finishing Touches
Pour this delightful mixture into the waiting sweet potatoes, and crown it with cilantro leaves and toasted unsweetened coconut for a visually appealing and irresistibly tasty dish.
There you have it – a braised coconut spinach and chickpeas with lemon recipe that not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also offers a burst of fresh, healthful flavors. Enjoy the culinary journey!