Mild Chickpea & Spinach Stew

A soft, comforting plant-based stew rich in iron and fiber. Gently spiced and packed with tender chickpeas and spinach, it's perfect for building a healthy gut and strong immune system.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Chickpeas
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach
- 1 small Tomato
- 0.5 piece Carrot
- 2 tablespoons Onion
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth
- 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cumin
Instructions
- If using canned chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium. If using dried, ensure they are soaked overnight and boiled until very tender.
- Finely dice the onion and garlic. Peel and finely dice the carrot into very small cubes.
- Heat the olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomato and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it breaks down into a sauce.
- Add the chickpeas and the vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes. This ensures the chickpeas are soft enough for a toddler to mash with their tongue or gums.
- Safety Step: Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to slightly crush about half of the chickpeas. This reduces the choking risk of round shapes.
- Add the chopped spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until completely wilted and soft.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving. This is crucial for iron absorption.
- Check the temperature and serve in a shallow bowl. It can be served alone or with a side of soft rice or quinoa.
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