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Spinach and Chickpea Curry

This hearty spinach and chickpea curry is a comforting one-pot dish that combines tender canned chickpeas with wilted frozen spinach in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce. The dish features a silky texture, vibrant green color, and bold flavors from garlic, cumin, and turmeric, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen spinach
  • 1 cup coconut milk full-fat preferred
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and starts to smell nutty.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and fragrant with a slightly caramelized aroma.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it releases a warm, fragrant aroma, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Add the cumin and turmeric, then toast the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly until they become fragrant and slightly darker in color.
  5. Mix in the rinsed chickpeas and cook for another 2 minutes, coating them evenly with the spice mixture and heating through.
  6. Add the frozen spinach directly from the freezer and stir well; cook for about 4 minutes until the spinach has wilted completely and turned a vibrant green.
  7. Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chickpeas and spinach.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat, then squeeze in the lemon juice and stir well. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
  9. Let the curry rest for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld, then give it a gentle stir before serving.
  10. Serve hot over rice or with naan, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the warm, flavorful, and creamy curry.