Chickpea spinach curry is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This vibrant curry is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its creamy coconut milk and hearty chickpeas, it stands out as a filling vegetarian option that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This chickpea spinach curry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of spices creates a rich and aromatic dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Chickpeas and spinach are loaded with nutrients, providing protein and vitamins with every bite.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or enjoy it on its own; this recipe adapts to your preferences.
- Freezable Delight: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal anytime you crave something delicious.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools can make your experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this tasty chickpea spinach curry.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the curry all in one pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures you get the perfect balance of spices and ingredients for optimal flavor.
Ingredients
Chickpea spinach curry is rich, full-bodied, nutritious, and abundantly delicious. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this is one of my favorite meals to enjoy and to meal prep.
For the Rice
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
For the Curry
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tbsp ginger, minced
- 2½ tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (more to taste if you like spice)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1-14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1-14 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 2-15 oz cans chickpeas
- ½ tbsp white sugar (more as needed)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chickpea Spinach Curry
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start rice if using; cook it according to the package instructions until fluffy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they turn golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently. Then add all the seasonings: curry powder, cumin, salt, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper. Stir well and let them cook for about 1 minute without burning. Incorporate tomato paste into the mixture.
Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and sugar. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce. Allow everything to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste your chickpea spinach curry; adjust salt or sugar if necessary.
Serve this delightful dish over rice or any grain of choice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an added touch!
How to Serve Chickpea Spinach Curry
Chickpea spinach curry is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the chickpea spinach curry over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting and filling meal. The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the curry.
With Naan Bread
- Pair this dish with warm naan bread for dipping. The soft bread complements the creamy texture of the curry perfectly.
On a Grain Bowl
- Use quinoa or brown rice to create a nutritious grain bowl. Top it with the curry and add fresh vegetables for extra crunch.
As a Wrap
- Spoon the chickpea spinach curry into a whole wheat wrap for a quick lunch option. Add some fresh greens for added flavor and nutrition.
With Yogurt
- Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt on top. This adds creaminess and balances the spices, making each bite delightful.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the top just before serving. This adds freshness and enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
How to Perfect Chickpea Spinach Curry
To ensure your chickpea spinach curry is as delicious as possible, consider these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor profile of your curry significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the spice levels by adding more cayenne pepper or reducing it based on your preference.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the curry to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving, adding salt or sugar as needed to achieve your desired balance.
Best Side Dishes for Chickpea Spinach Curry
Chickpea spinach curry can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavors.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber that balances out the spices in the curry.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Seasoned cauliflower florets make for a hearty side that complements the dish well.
- Mango Chutney: This sweet-and-sour condiment adds an interesting contrast to the savory flavors of the curry.
- Sauteed Greens: Quick-cooked greens like kale or Swiss chard provide additional nutrients and color.
- Spiced Pappadums: Crispy lentil crackers that add crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into the curry.
- Curried Lentils: A side of spiced lentils can bring more protein to your meal while keeping in theme with Indian cuisine.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy option that pairs nicely without overshadowing the main dish.
- Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad made from chickpeas, tomatoes, and onions brings freshness alongside your hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking chickpea spinach curry can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Skipping the aromatics: Not sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger can lead to a bland curry. Always take time to cook these ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the spinach: If you cook spinach for too long, it becomes mushy and loses nutrients. Add it at the end just until it wilts.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient affects taste differently. Always taste your curry before serving and adjust salt or sugar as needed.
- Choosing the wrong rice: Using quick-cooking rice can affect the texture of your dish. Stick with long-grain rice or basmati for the best results.
- Not allowing time for simmering: Rushing the simmering process can result in a watery sauce. Allow your curry to simmer until it thickens properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezing Chickpea Spinach Curry
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chickpea Spinach Curry
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place curry in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing chickpea spinach curry:
What is Chickpea Spinach Curry?
Chickpea spinach curry is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with chickpeas, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices simmered together.
Can I make Chickpea Spinach Curry vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses coconut milk instead of dairy products.
How do I customize my Chickpea Spinach Curry?
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, adjust spice levels, or use different herbs like basil or parsley for variation.
Is Chickpea Spinach Curry healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from chickpeas and vitamins from spinach, making it a nutritious meal option.
Final Thoughts
Chickpea spinach curry is not only rich and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it according to your preferences, whether by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice levels. I encourage you to try this comforting dish that combines flavors beautifully while being a perfect choice for meal prep!
Chickpea Spinach Curry
Chickpea Spinach Curry is a vibrant, nourishing dish that beautifully combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas and fresh spinach with aromatic spices. This vegetarian curry, enriched with creamy coconut milk, is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tbsp ginger, minced
- 2½ tbsp curry powder
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions until fluffy.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in curry powder and other spices; cook for another minute.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, chickpeas, and sugar. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
