This Chorizo, Chickpea, and Spinach stew is a staple I learned to cook from a friends grandmother when I lived in Logroño in La Rioja many moons ago. However, it has stayed with me ever since and is a long term favourite in our household. It’s perfect for this time of year when the colder weather arrives, the nights draw in early, and the log burner is fired up... More importantly, it’s actually very easy to make, so it’s flawless for a quick mid-week meal when time is of the essence after getting in from work and getting the children ready for bed!
You can scale up if you want to have it over a few nights, I personally think it’s better the following day as it allows all the flavours to combine together. For those who are vegetarian, simply remove the chorizo (or use a vegetarian chorizo… yes they do exist!).
As for wine pairing, there’s no other option than a Rioja and for me it has to be Lopez de Haro Reserva 2018; a delicious blend of Tempranillo and Graciano aged for 20 months in both American and French oak. You need something that has a bit more weight and depth of darker fruit and savouriness (opposed to a Crianza) to pair with the warming paprika spice from the chorizo and the nuttiness of the chickpeas.
Ingredients
1 x 230g chorizo ring
1 x medium white onion
3 x cloves of garlic
2 x 240g tins of chickpeas
1 x 200g bag of spinach
1 x vegetable stock cubes
Smoked paprika
Tomato puree
Method
Cut the chorizo into 1cm slices
Put the chorizo to a large, deep pan on a medium-low heat (until the fat has released and crispy on both sides)
Remove the chorizo and set to one side
To the same pan, add a diced onion and garlic (be careful not to have the heat too high and burn both)
Once onions have softened and garlic cooked, add the chickpeas
Add the smoked paprika for depth of flavour
Add a touch of tomato puree
After a minute or two, add the vegetable stock
Allow the stock to come to a rolling boil, then turn down and simmer for 5 minutes
Add the spinach and cook for a further 5 mins
At the last moment, reintroduce the chorizo to warm through before dishing up
¡Qué aproveche!
The Perfect Wine Match
Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva Rioja 2018
Enticing aromas of both red and black fruits with underlying vanilla and tobacco tones. Full, rich and round on the palate with impressive elegance thanks to the silky-smooth tannins that are underpinned by further dark black fruits, roasted coffee and dark chocolate.
