Delicious and Nutritious Chickpea Spinach Curry in 30 Minutes!

Chickpea Spinach Curry is a delightful, comforting, and healthy dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

This curry is packed with plant-based protein from the chickpeas and rich in iron and vitamins from the spinach, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a wholesome meal.

The blend of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chickpeas creates a flavorful sauce that wraps the ingredients together in a warm, cozy dish. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it for a cozy dinner with family, this curry will quickly become a favorite.

The vibrant green spinach perfectly complements the hearty chickpeas, while the spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander add depth and warmth to the curry.

With minimal prep and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Chickpea Spinach Curry

This Chickpea Spinach Curry is everything you could want in a curry: rich, flavorful, and quick to prepare. It’s a wonderful option for both vegetarians and vegans, providing a nourishing and satisfying meal without any animal products.

The chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, while the spinach offers a boost of iron, fiber, and other essential nutrients.

One of the best things about this curry is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavor to your liking, whether you prefer it spicier or milder. The creamy coconut milk balances the heat from the spices, giving the curry a rich, smooth texture that’s utterly comforting.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both healthy and quick.

Another reason to love this curry is how adaptable it is. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or with naan for a complete meal, or pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or tangy yogurt raita to balance out the rich flavors. It’s a dish that will satisfy both your cravings and your nutritional needs.

Ingredients for Chickpea Spinach Curry

To make this Chickpea Spinach Curry, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that create a rich, flavorful base. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a beautifully spiced and aromatic curry, with the chickpeas providing a satisfying base and the spinach adding a burst of green goodness. The coconut milk gives the curry its creamy texture, while the spices blend together to create depth and warmth.

How to Make Chickpea Spinach Curry

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the chickpeas if using canned, and set them aside. Chop the spinach into smaller pieces if it’s large, and finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Make sure all your spices are measured and ready to go, as this will streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma of the garlic and ginger will start to fill your kitchen, signaling the beginning of your flavorful curry.

Step 3: Adding the Spices and Tomatoes

Once the onions are softened, add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala (if using). Stir well to toast the spices in the oil, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors. Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the pan, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down and meld with the spices, creating a rich base for your curry.

Step 4: Cooking the Chickpeas

Add the drained chickpeas to the pan, stirring them into the spiced tomato mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the curry base. If you prefer a thicker curry, you can mash a few chickpeas with the back of your spoon for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Simmering with Coconut Milk

Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the curry to thicken and the flavors to deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent the curry from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the curry is too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Adding the Spinach

Once the curry has reached your desired thickness, add the spinach to the pan. Stir it in and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and becomes tender. The bright green color of the spinach will make the curry look even more vibrant and appetizing.

Step 7: Adjusting Seasoning and Serving

Taste your curry and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of chili powder or some fresh chopped green chilies. Once the seasoning is perfect, remove the curry from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Serve your Chickpea Spinach Curry hot with your choice of rice, naan, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chickpea Spinach Curry

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give your curry a vibrant green color and a lovely texture. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it properly to avoid excess water in the curry.
• Adjust the Spices: The beauty of this curry is in the spices. Feel free to adjust the cumin, turmeric, and chili powder to match your flavor preferences. For a spicier curry, increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies.
• Creamier Texture: If you prefer a creamier curry, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of your spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the curry base. This will help thicken the sauce without changing the flavor.
• Add Lemon or Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the coconut milk. It also adds a fresh, zesty note to the curry.
• Make It Ahead: Like many curries, Chickpea Spinach Curry tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Chickpea Spinach Curry is a deliciously hearty and nourishing dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its rich spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chickpeas, it’s a comfort food that’s also packed with nutrients.

Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, this curry is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and full of goodness.

The versatility of this curry means you can easily customize it to suit your tastes, making it a great go-to recipe. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or naan, and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness of a homemade curry that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned or frozen spinach in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess water from frozen spinach before adding it to the curry.

2. Can I make this curry spicier?

Yes! You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped green chilies. Just be mindful of your heat preference and taste as you go.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the curry?

Absolutely! This curry is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them up and cook them along with the onions and garlic.

4. Can I make this curry in advance?

Yes, Chickpea Spinach Curry tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make this curry without coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, cashew cream, or vegetable broth for a different flavor and consistency. The result will still be delicious, but the creamy texture will be slightly different.