Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas and Garlicky Yogurt

Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas and Garlicky Yogurt is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines tender baby spinach, hearty chickpeas, and a flavorful yogurt sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an excellent side dish or a light and wholesome main course. The spinach is expertly prepared to be tender yet not mushy, and the addition of chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes adds a wonderful depth of taste. The crowning glory is the garlicky yogurt sauce with a dash of fresh mint, elevating the dish to a whole new level of culinary delight.

SERVES 2 TO 3

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled (4 sliced thin, 2 minced)
• Salt and pepper
• 18 ounces (6 cups) baby spinach
• 6 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, sliced thin

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. PREPARE GARLICKY YOGURT SAUCE: In a bowl, combine plain yogurt, chopped fresh mint, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce until needed.
2. MICROWAVE AND PREPARE SPINACH: Place baby spinach and ¼ cup of water in a covered microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the spinach until wilted and reduced in volume by half, which takes approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Keep the bowl covered for an additional minute. Carefully transfer the spinach to a colander and gently press it with a rubber spatula to release excess liquid. Chop the spinach coarsely, return it to the colander, and press it again to remove more liquid.
3. SAUTÉ GARLIC AND SPICES: In a 10-inch skillet, cook 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sliced garlic over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the garlic turns light golden brown and begins to sizzle. This should take about 3 to 6 minutes. Stir in ground coriander and ground turmeric and cook until fragrant, which usually takes about 30 seconds.
4. ADD CHICKPEAS AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES: Stir in the rinsed chickpeas, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates, and the tomatoes are softened, which typically takes 1 to 2 minutes.
5. INCORPORATE SPINACH: Stir in the chopped spinach and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook until the spinach is uniformly wilted and has a glossy green appearance, approximately 2 minutes.
6. SERVE: Transfer the sautéed spinach and chickpeas to a platter. Drizzle the dish with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas and Garlicky Yogurt, and accompany it with the prepared yogurt sauce for a delightful burst of flavor.

TIPS:

• Microwaving Spinach: Microwaving the spinach allows it to wilt quickly while retaining its vibrant green color. After microwaving, be sure to press the spinach in a colander to remove excess water, preventing the dish from becoming watery.
• Preventing Garlic from Burning: When toasting the sliced garlic in oil, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Garlic can turn bitter when overcooked, so stir it constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns light golden brown and begins to sizzle.
• Seasoning and Garnishing: Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preference. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper adds a lovely kick to the dish. Before serving, drizzle the sautéed spinach with the remaining olive oil for an extra touch of richness and glossy finish.

USAGE:

Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas and Garlicky Yogurt is a versatile dish that can be served as a flavorful side dish or a light main course. It pairs perfectly with hearty, crusty bread, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re a spinach enthusiast or looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. Enjoy the delicious blend of textures and spices in this delightful dish!