Looking for a protein-packed breakfast that’s not your typical eggs and toast? This Chickpea Spinach Scramble has become my go-to morning meal when I want something hearty, healthy, and ready in minutes. As someone who loves experimenting with plant-based proteins, I discovered that chickpeas make an incredible base for a savory breakfast scramble that’ll keep you energized all morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I fell in love with this scramble because it combines the protein punch of chickpeas with iron-rich spinach in a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to switch up your breakfast routine, this recipe delivers big time on taste and nutrition.
Time and Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it – garlic can burn quickly!
- Add the drained chickpeas to the pan. Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash about half the chickpeas. This creates a nice mix of textures and helps the seasonings stick better.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well – the turmeric will give it that lovely golden color.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, usually about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or more olive oil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using nutritional yeast, sprinkle it on now and give everything a final stir.
Pro Tips
- Don’t mash all the chickpeas – leaving some whole gives the scramble a more interesting texture
- If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen works too – just thaw and drain it first
- This recipe is super flexible – try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Chickpea Spinach Scramble lies in its simplicity and versatility. The chickpeas provide a sturdy base that soaks up all the aromatic spices, while the spinach adds a fresh element and boosts the nutritional value. I’ve served this to countless friends – both vegan and non-vegan – and it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s basically impossible to mess up, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you’re just learning to cook.
This scramble is incredibly forgiving and adaptable – feel free to play around with the spices and vegetables to make it your own. I often make a double batch and use the leftovers in wraps or on top of salads for quick lunches throughout the week.
Chickpea Spinach Scramble
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they're translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it – garlic can burn quickly!
- Add the drained chickpeas to the pan. Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash about half the chickpeas. This creates a nice mix of textures and helps the seasonings stick better.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together well – the turmeric will give it that lovely golden color.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, usually about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or more olive oil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using nutritional yeast, sprinkle it on now and give everything a final stir.
