Smoky Chickpeas with Spinach Tomato and Manchego Cheese Tapas

Elevate your tapas game with these smoky chickpeas with spinach, tomato, and Manchego cheese—a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish bursting with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender chickpeas are sautéed with smoked paprika, cumin, and a touch of garlic, then paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach for a nutrient-packed base. Topped with finely grated Manchego cheese that melts into the warm chickpea mixture and a squeeze of bright lemon juice, every bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or a light main course, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and is best served with crusty bread or crackers. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this dish is sure to impress at your next gathering! Keywords: smoky chickpeas, Manchego cheese tapas, Mediterranean-style recipe, quick tapas ideas, vegetarian small plates.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 15 oz Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp Ground cumin
• 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 0.5 cup Manchego cheese, finely grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 loaf Crusty bread or crackers (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma.

Step 5

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 6

Stir in the chickpeas, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the spices and warmed through.

Step 7

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it wilts.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 9

Transfer the chickpea mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle with the grated Manchego cheese while it’s still warm so the cheese gently melts.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Step 11

Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers as a tapas dish or a light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1092.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1928.8

Total Fat 65.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 50mg	0%
Sodium 4162.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 274.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 23.2g
Protein 66.4g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 718.7mg	0%
Iron 16.2mg	0%
Potassium 1357.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.1%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 56.3%