Popeye’s Power Bowl: A One-Pan Wonder

This is the perfect weekday meal—quick to make, healthy, hearty, and packed with protein—all in one pan. It’s as easy as it is delicious, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) fresh spinach (Roughly chop or just tear it into pieces by hand—baby spinach makes it even easier!)

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (Drained and rinsed)

• 2 medium onions, finely chopped (Or toss them in an emulsifier if you’re short on time—no shame in shortcuts!)

• 3-4 eggs

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin (Optional, but worth it for a flavor boost)

• Salt and black pepper (To taste)

• Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Optional: 2 garlic cloves, minced

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the chickpeas:

   • Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

   • Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and optional spices like cumin.

   • Roast or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until slightly crispy.

2. Sauté the onions:

   • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

   • Add onions and sauté until golden and translucent (5-7 minutes).

3. Cook the spinach:

   • Add spinach to the pan with the onions.

   • Stir and cook until it wilts and any liquid evaporates (10-12 minutes).

   • (Spoiler alert: That giant pile of spinach? It’s going to shrink like magic—don’t panic!)

   • Stir in minced garlic, if using, for extra flavor.

4. Combine the chickpeas:

   • Add the roasted or air-fried chickpeas to the pan.

   • Stir gently to mix everything and let the flavors come together for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add the eggs:

   • Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the spinach and chickpeas.

   • Gently scramble and cook until the eggs are fully set (3-5 minutes).

6. Season and serve:

   • Add salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika to taste.

   • For reference, I used about 1/8 teaspoon of salt (three small pinches) and one small pinch of black pepper.

   • (If it tastes a little bland, a pinch more salt can work wonders.)

   • Serve hot with flatbread, pita, or a dollop of yogurt for the perfect finish.

     
     

Tips

• Want crispier chickpeas? Give them a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer or oven, but watch closely to avoid burning.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a fresh, vibrant touch.

• A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving adds a bright, tangy kick.

Why I Love This Dish:This recipe brings back memories of my mom’s version, which used fried potatoes instead of chickpeas. I’ve tweaked it over the years, and now it’s a go-to in my house. My kids call it "Popeye’s food" because of the spinach. I even showed them an old Popeye clip to explain, and they couldn’t stop laughing. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with nostalgia—and now, a little family tradition of its own.

Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out! 🌟