Spinach and Chickpeas With Bacon

Submitted by GaylaJ

"I love this super-fast and easy side, which is adapted from Gourmet. It is also good with a little cumin added, and will handle a larger amount of spinach as well."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 3 slices thick-cut bacon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
• 8 cups Baby Spinach, any tough stems discarded
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

directions

1. Cut bacon crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces and cook in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until browned; leave bacon in skillet and spoon off all but 1 tablespoon fat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, chickpeas, and red pepper flakes; saute over high heat, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas begin to brown (3-4 minutes).
3. Stir in spinach and garlic and saute', stirring, until spinach is wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with remaining tablespoon oil.

Reviews

[vrvrvr]

Loved this side dish! I reduced the bacon and oil and don't think it suffered any loss of flavor or texture. Just delicious, even got my 11 year old non-spinach-lover to dig right in! Great!

 

[mandyslaughter]

I've made this a few times now and my whole family loves it! It's an easy and delicious way to get a load of vitamins.

 

[Chef Doo]

Great dish. Had it in a sandwich with garlic and herb cheese and soft, white bread. Yum! :)

 

[oloschiavo]

mmmm... I'm so addicted to chickpeas at the moment, and I jumped for joy when I saw some lovely local organic baby spinach at the deli because I knew I could use it in this recipe! I used peameal bacon so didn't have any fat to drain off in step 1 :-D, also didn't bother with the cumin because it was unnecessary. I love how you add the garlic last so it stays a bit raw and pungent. I also love the drizzle at the end, it adds so much flavour. I halved the recipe and had it as a main for my dinner tonight. Gayla, this is a perfect, perfect dish! One million stars!