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Pita Sandwiches with Spinach-Chickpea Spread

Iron-and folate-rich chickpeas and spinach combine in a delicious sandwich spread that can also be served atop halved cherry tomatoes for a snack.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
10 ounces spinach, trimmed, washed well, and drained
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
2 whole-wheat pitas (6-inch), halved
1 tomato, thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium. Cook garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chickpeas and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Cover; raise heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring once, until spinach has wilted, about 4 minutes. Uncover; raise heat to high. Cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Pulse chickpea mixture with tahini, remaining 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor until slightly chunky. (Spread can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.)

    Step 3

    To serve, fill each pita half with 1/4 cup spread, and layer with tomato slices.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 265g

    Step 6

    Saturated: 9g

    Step 7

    Unsaturated Fat: 4.7g

    Step 8

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 9

    Carbohydrates: 42g

    Step 10

    Protein: 11.8g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 494mg

    Step 12

    Fiber: 8.7g

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