If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than spinach chickpea curry. This delightful dish combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the vibrant, nutrient-packed goodness of spinach, all enveloped in a rich and aromatic curry sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty spinach chickpea curry, along with some tips and insights into its health benefits.
ZUCCHINI CORN CHOWDER SOUP (VEGAN)
ROASTED VEGETABLE POLENTA (VEGETARIAN)
How to Make Spinach Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions for Spinach Chickpea Curry:
- Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Spice It Up: Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then pour in the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt and blend into the curry. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the spinach chickpea curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with cooked rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
Tips for Making Spinach Chickpea Curry
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder curry, omit the cayenne pepper. For those who love a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount or add a chopped fresh chili.
- Consistency Control: If you like your curry thicker, simmer it a bit longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner curry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.
- Enhance the Flavor: Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top can also add a creamy contrast.
- Protein Boost: For added protein, you can toss in some cubed tofu or paneer along with the chickpeas.
Health Benefits of Spinach Chickpea Curry
Spinach:
- Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, magnesium, iron, and manganese. It’s low in calories yet high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- The antioxidants in spinach, such as beta-carotene and lutein, help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Chickpeas:
- Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They help keep you full longer, support digestive health, and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, phosphorus, and B vitamins, chickpeas contribute to overall health and wellness.
Curry Spices:
- The spices used in curry, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, have numerous health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- These spices can also aid digestion, boost immunity, and provide anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
Spinach chickpea curry is a delightful dish that offers a perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and simplicity. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy dinner, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests. By incorporating this recipe into your meal rotation, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. Try it out today and experience the deliciousness and health benefits of spinach chickpea curry!
Spinach Chickpea Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
- 4 cups fresh spinach chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine, then pour in the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt and blend into the curry. This should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the spinach chickpea curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with cooked rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutritional Facts Spinach Chickpea Curry (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 7g
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! Let me know if you decide to try it out and don’t forget to send me your #Lifestylemartina creations.
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My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina . You will read daily tips, quick recipes, personal content and pictures of my travel experiences. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
