High Protein Chickpea Scramble with Crispy Edges and Creamy Spinach Recipe
Introduction
This high protein breakfast scramble features chickpeas cooked to a crispy, creamy perfection. Combined with spinach and avocado, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients
- ½ (398ml) can no salt added chickpeas or ¾ cup cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (use kala namak salt for a more eggy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable broth or unsweetened plant milk
- ½ teaspoon nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas.
- Step 2: Mash the chickpeas in the skillet with a fork to create a rustic scrambled texture with some chunky pieces remaining.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the chickpeas with ground cumin, turmeric, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crispy edges form and a fragrant aroma develops.
- Step 4: Add the baby spinach and stir to combine. Mix the vegetable broth or plant milk with nutritional yeast, then pour it into the skillet.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the spinach wilt and the base become creamy, about 1 minute.
- Step 6: Remove the lid and serve the scramble hot, topped with sliced avocado. Add hot sauce and toast if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Tips & Variations
- Use kala namak salt to give the dish a subtle egg-like flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of plant-based milk before mashing the chickpeas.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture and avoid drying out. For best flavor, enjoy freshly made.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly. Just be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess salt and liquid before cooking.
What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can omit it or replace it with a small amount of vegan cheese or a pinch of garlic powder to add savory depth.
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High Protein Chickpea Scramble with Crispy Edges and Creamy Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and nutritious high-protein breakfast scramble featuring crispy mashed chickpeas combined with wilted spinach and creamy avocado. This plant-based dish mimics the texture and flavor profile of scrambled eggs using spices and kala namak salt for an eggy taste, making it a perfect vegan, gluten-free start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ – 398ml can no salt added chickpeas or ¾ cup cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- ½ avocado (sliced)
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (preferably kala namak for eggy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable broth or unsweetened plant milk
- ½ teaspoon nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Prepare the Skillet & Mash Chickpeas: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet.
- Mash Chickpeas for Scramble Texture: Use a fork to mash the chickpeas directly in the skillet. Aim for a rustic scramble texture that is partly mashed with some chunky pieces remaining, avoiding a smooth paste.
- Season & Achieve Crispy Edges: Sprinkle ground cumin, ground turmeric, and salt (preferably kala namak) over the mashed chickpeas. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown crispy edges form and a fragrant aroma develops.
- Wilt Spinach with Creamy Base: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir to mix. Pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable broth or unsweetened plant milk combined with ½ teaspoon of nutritional yeast. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 1 minute to let the spinach wilt and create a creamy texture.
- Serve & Garnish: Remove the lid and serve the scramble hot topped with fresh sliced avocado. Optionally add a dash of hot sauce and toast on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using kala namak salt is key for adding an egg-like flavor to this vegan scramble.
- Be careful not to over-mash chickpeas; a rustic, chunky texture works best.
- Vegetable broth or plant milk with nutritional yeast creates a creamy, savory finish.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Toast pairs well to make the dish more filling.
- Customize with your favorite hot sauce or herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: chickpea scramble, vegan breakfast, high protein breakfast, plant-based scramble, gluten free breakfast, kala namak, crispy chickpeas

