Lemony Chickpea Spinach Rice Skillet

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups spinach, fresh or a few handfuls
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested if desired and juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin or paprika, optional pantry spice

Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet or saucepan with a lid over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring so it does not burn.
3. Stir in the rice, chickpeas, salt, pepper, optional spice, and water.
4. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
5. Turn off the heat, scatter spinach over the rice, cover again, and let sit for 3 minutes to wilt.
6. Fluff everything together with a fork, then stir in lemon juice and optional lemon zest.
7. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon before serving.