Chickpea and Spinach Curry

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a comforting meal that's both hearty and healthy, this Chickpea and Spinach Curry is for you. Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients for Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Olive oil is the base for sautéing, adding a subtle richness to the curry. Onion, garlic, and ginger form a flavorful trio that serves as the aromatic foundation. Ground cumin and ground coriander offer earthy, warm notes, while turmeric brings its characteristic color and health benefits. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds just a hint of heat. Chickpeas are the star, providing protein and texture. Coconut milk makes the dish creamy, balancing the spices. Vegetable broth adds depth, and fresh spinach contributes a touch of freshness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the final dish. Top it off with fresh cilantro for a hint of brightness and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a thicker curry, reduce the broth or let the curry simmer longer to your desired consistency.
  • For added depth, toast your spices in a dry pan before adding them to the dish.
  • Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for an easy meal prep option.

Serving Suggestions

This curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice. You can also add a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand, which will add to the prep time.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You can use almond milk or cashew cream for a different flavor profile, though it may be less rich.
Can I make this curry in advance?
Definitely! The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. You want to cook these until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.

Now, stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Let them cook for a minute or two. This will allow the spices to bloom and release their full flavor.

Add the chickpeas to the pan, followed by the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Give everything a good mix and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens as the flavors meld together.

Once it's simmering nicely, add the spinach. It might seem like a lot at first, but it'll wilt down quickly. Stir it occasionally until it's fully wilted, which should take about 3 minutes.

Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. These final touches will really round out the flavors. Serve your curry hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.
  • Rich in plant-based protein and iron, thanks to chickpeas and spinach.
  • The spices create a warm, aromatic dish without overwhelming heat.
  • Versatile enough to enjoy alone or paired with your favorite side.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Once simmering, add spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

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