Easy One-Pot Chickpea Curry with Spinach (Vegan)

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and super simple dinner idea? Look no further! This one-pot chickpea curry is the answer to your weeknight meal prayers.

It’s packed with warming spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a fantastic flavor that tastes like it cooked all day. Best of all, it relies on budget-friendly pantry staples like canned chickpeas and frozen spinach, so you can whip it up even when you haven’t been shopping.

This Chickpea Curry with Spinach is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect meal for everyone at your table. Let’s get cooking!

What’s in This Simple Chickpea Curry?

This “Chana Saag” style curry gets its deep, comforting flavor from a simple blend of kitchen spices.

Chickpeas: These are the star of our show! We use two tins of ready-to-go chickpeas for convenience. They provide a hearty texture and tons of plant-based protein, keeping you full and satisfied. Tip: Always rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly before using them.

Coconut Milk: A can of full-fat or reduced-fat coconut milk creates the rich, creamy base for the sauce. It balances the spice and adds a luxurious feel.

Warming Spices: We use a simple mix of mild curry powder, sweet smoked paprika, a dash of mild chili flakes, and a final flourish of garam masala. This blend delivers a beautiful aroma and warmth without too much heat.

Spinach: A large amount of fresh baby spinach is stirred in right at the end. It wilts quickly, adding beautiful color and a healthy boost of iron.

Tomato Purée & Mango Chutney: The purée gives the sauce a necessary tomato base and acidity. Meanwhile, the mango chutney—added at the end—provides a lovely, sweet, tangy note that makes the curry irresistible.

What Can I Add?

This hearty Chickpea Curry with Spinach is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have and what you enjoy.

• Make it Thicker: If you prefer a richer, more substantial curry, try blending about one-third of the mixture with an immersion blender before adding the spinach.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, diced sweet potato, or even cauliflower florets along with the main ingredients. They will soak up all the delicious flavor as the curry simmers.
• Boost the Protein: If you aren’t strictly vegan, you could add shredded leftover rotisserie chicken or firm white fish like cod during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, use hot curry powder or increase the amount of chili flakes. You could also add a finely chopped red chili pepper at the start with the onion.

How to Make Chickpea Curry with Spinach Step by Step

This Chickpea Curry with Spinach recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a busy evening. Here is the easy hob method!

1. In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and turn light brown.
3. Next, stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, tomato purée, mild curry powder, sweet smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute, letting the spices become fragrant.
4. Pour in the can of coconut milk and add the sea salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Place the lid on the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 40 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the garam masala, mango chutney, and the shredded baby spinach.
7. Continue to stir for a minute or two until the spinach has fully wilted. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips for Success!

To make sure your easy chickpea curry turns out perfect every time, keep these simple tips in mind.

• Rinse Those Chickpeas: This step is crucial! Rinsing canned chickpeas removes the starchy, salty liquid they are stored in, which results in a cleaner, better-tasting sauce.
• Don’t Rush the Aromatics: The first step of softening the onion and garlic builds the foundation of the curry’s flavor. Take your time during this step (5-6 minutes) for maximum deliciousness.
• Check Your Curry Powder: Curry powder mixes vary greatly in heat. If you’re making this for kids or those sensitive to spice, always use a mild powder or start with less and add more to taste later.
• Use Frozen Shortcuts: If you are pressed for time, swap fresh onion and garlic for frozen diced onion and a spoonful of frozen garlic paste. You can also use frozen spinach—just add it at the start of the simmering process so it has time to defrost fully.

What to Serve with Chickpea Curry with Spinach

Since this dish is so rich and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides.

• Fluffy Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice is the classic companion, perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce.
• Indian Breads: Serve alongside warm naan bread (plain or garlic) or crispy poppadoms for scooping.
• Cooling Sides: A dollop of plain yogurt (or vegan alternative) or a simple cucumber and mint raita offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the curry.
• Other Ideas: You can also serve it with easy homemade flatbreads or a light green side salad.

Storage & Reheating

This simple Chickpea Curry with Spinach is fantastic for meal prep! The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer: This curry freezes exceptionally well. Once it’s completely cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it fully overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it thoroughly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. The curry may thicken considerably after chilling, so be prepared to add a splash of water or vegetable stock to loosen the sauce back up before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it a beautifully spiced, easy, and satisfying meal ready in one pot! This easy chickpea curry is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

Give this recipe a try tonight and watch it become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! Happy cooking! Chickpea Curry with Spinach.

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