Chickpea and Spinach Stuffed Pitas
Warm, fluffy pitas stuffed with a savory blend of chickpeas and sautéed spinach, bursting with Middle Eastern spices.
Total: 35 minPrep: 15 minCook: 20 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 4 whole wheat pitas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Steps
- 1 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2 Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- 3 Stir in garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
- 4 Add chickpeas and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5 Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- 6 Stir in lemon juice, feta cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
- 7 Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
- 8 Slice pitas in half and stuff generously with the chickpea and spinach mixture.
- 9 Serve warm.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes for extra freshness and tanginess.
Substitutions
- Substitute feta cheese with vegan feta for a dairy-free option.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of hummus.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
48g carbohydrates
Protein:
12g protein
Fiber:
8g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
450mg sodium
Tips
- Warm the pitas in a dry skillet before stuffing for extra softness.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of cucumber-yogurt sauce or a fresh green salad.
FAQ
Can I use pita bread instead of whole pitas?
Yes, but whole pitas are preferred for their pocket structure.