Chickpeas with Spinach and Poached Eggs

This recipe is adapted from Bon Appétit. The original recipe called for sunny-side up eggs fried in what seemed like a large quantity of olive oil, and I decided to do poached (pasteurized) eggs instead. It also called for 3 cups or more of vegetable broth, but I’m going to write it down with 2 cups, as I found the dish a little too brothy (though, of course, you are free to add more broth to taste). I have to admit I had my doubts about this dish even as I was making it, but I chose it because it seemed like a good lactose-free vegetarian option. In fact, it was surprisingly good! The Engineer and I both approve, and I’m sure I’ll be making it again.

3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more
4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced, divided (1+3)
8 cups spinach, coarsely chopped
kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 chopped onion
1 tsp. cumin seeds
¼ tsp. smoked paprika
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed
5 canned whole tomatoes, crushed
2 cups (or more) vegetable broth
4 large eggs

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. When oil begins to shimmer, add 1 garlic clove. Stir until beginning to turn golden brown, 1–2 minutes. Add spinach to pot. Toss to coat; season with salt and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted but still bright green, 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside. Wipe out pot.

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in same pot over medium heat. When oil begins to shimmer, add onion and 3 garlic cloves. Cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, 3–4 minutes. Add cumin and paprika; stir until cumin is toasted and fragrant, 1–2 minutes. Add chickpeas and tomatoes; stir to coat. Cook until tomatoes start to caramelize and chickpeas begin to brown, 8–10 minutes.

Add 2 cups broth; bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, occasionally mashing some chickpeas with the back of a spoon or a potato masher, until sauce is thickened, 15–20 minutes. Fold in spinach; simmer for flavors to meld, adding more broth by 1/4-cupfuls if too thick, 8–10 minutes.

If frying eggs, pour oil into a large heavy skillet to a depth of 1/8" (about ¼ cup). Heat until oil begins to shimmer. Crack 2 eggs into hot oil, spacing apart. Using a large spoon, carefully baste whites (not yolks) with oil until whites are set and edges are crunchy, lacy, and golden brown, 2–3 minutes (do not turn). Season eggs with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining 2 eggs. Otherwise, poach eggs, or omit entirely if you wish.

Spoon chickpea stew into bowls and top each with a fried egg.