Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Featured in: Garden Comfort Meals

This dish brings together tender chickpeas and vibrant spinach in a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed to release deep aromas before adding diced tomatoes and water to create a rich sauce. Simmering allows the flavors to meld perfectly. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, which is garnished with fresh cilantro. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this hearty meal suits a busy evening and pairs well with rice or flatbread.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:16:00 GMT
A vibrant chickpea and spinach curry simmering in a spiced tomato sauce.  Save
A vibrant chickpea and spinach curry simmering in a spiced tomato sauce. | basilhearth.com

A hearty, aromatic curry featuring tender chickpeas and vibrant spinach in a spiced tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight meal.

This chickpea and spinach curry quickly became a favorite in my household due to its rich flavors and comforting warmth on busy evenings.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Green chili: 1, finely chopped (optional)
  • Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh spinach: 6 oz (170 g), roughly chopped
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz)
  • Water: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1 tsp
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Pour in diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Add chickpeas, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Step 6:
Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted.
Step 7:
Add lemon juice, adjust salt if needed, and remove from heat.
Step 8:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
A steaming bowl of chickpea and spinach curry, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
A steaming bowl of chickpea and spinach curry, garnished with fresh cilantro. | basilhearth.com

Preparing this curry has brought many moments together in my kitchen with family, sharing stories and savoring delicious meals.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal that satisfies both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Allergen Information

This recipe is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Always check canned goods for potential allergen cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this dish offers approximately 270 calories, 7 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.

Comforting chickpea and spinach curry served with warm naan bread on the side. Save
Comforting chickpea and spinach curry served with warm naan bread on the side. | basilhearth.com

This curry is an effortless way to enjoy a flavorful, nourishing meal any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

Can frozen spinach be used instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach can be substituted. Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the dish to avoid thinning the sauce.

What spices create the flavor profile?

The blend includes cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, which together build a warm and aromatic taste.

How can I increase creaminess in the dish?

Stir in a small amount of coconut milk just before adding spinach to add a creamy texture without overpowering the spices.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free when using certified canned goods, making it safe for gluten-free dietary needs.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve hot, alongside basmati rice or naan bread, which complements the rich, spiced sauce and tender chickpeas.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Tender chickpeas and fresh spinach combined in a savory tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Garden Comfort Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You'll Need

Legumes & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
06 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
07 6 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
08 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 1/2 cup water

Spices

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon ground coriander
03 1 teaspoon garam masala
04 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
05 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
06 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing

01 1 tablespoon lemon juice
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Incorporate ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to release their fragrance.

Step 04

Simmer Tomato Base: Pour in diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 05

Add Chickpeas: Stir in drained chickpeas and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to integrate.

Step 06

Incorporate Spinach: Add chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just wilted.

Step 07

Finish and Season: Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning with salt if needed, then remove from heat.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot alongside rice or flatbread.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy; verify canned goods for cross-contamination.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 270
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 39 grams
  • Protein Amount: 11 grams