Healthy Dinner Chickpea Spinach Curry

Name: Healthy Dinner Chickpea Spinach Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 4 cups spinach, fresh; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup coconut milk; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love creating dishes that are not only delicious but also nutritious, and this Healthy Dinner Chickpea Spinach Curry is no exception. Packed with protein from chickpeas and vibrant greens, this curry brightens up any weeknight meal. I appreciate how the warming spices bring the ingredients together, creating a comforting dish that the whole family enjoys. With just 30 minutes on the clock, you can whip up a nourishing and flavorful curry that makes you feel good inside and out.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:10:12.045Z

Cooking is one of my greatest passions, and I always enjoy finding ways to incorporate healthy ingredients into my meals. This chickpea and spinach curry was born out of a desire for a quick and nutritious dinner! Each ingredient plays an important role: chickpeas offer protein while spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the medley of spices creates a rich and invigorating flavor.

I've learned that letting the spices bloom in the pan for a few extra minutes can significantly elevate the dish. It ensures that the curry is bursting with flavor from the very first bite. If you’re looking for a healthy yet hearty meal, give this recipe a try, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, comforting flavors that warm you up
Packed with protein and essential nutrients
Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this curry plays a vital role in building flavor and nutrition. Chickpeas are not only a great source of protein but also add a creamy texture to the dish. Fresh spinach contributes essential vitamins and minerals, becoming tender and flavorful as it cooks. Using fresh garlic and ginger elevates the dish with their aromatic qualities, creating a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste.

The choice of spices, particularly curry powder and cumin, is crucial for developing that rich, comforting flavor profile. Both spices work together to add depth and warmth; however, you can customize the spice level depending on your personal preference. If you like it spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes after the spices bloom.

Cooking Technique Insights

Sautéing the onions until translucent is an important step that builds the foundational flavor for the curry. Ensure you don't rush this process; a medium heat for about 5 minutes should allow the onions to soften without burning. If they start to darken too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. This technique allows for the base ingredients to achieve a glossy, inviting appearance and releases their natural sweetness.

When adding spinach and coconut milk, it's best to incorporate them gradually. Start by pouring in the coconut milk while stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling. The heat should be low at this stage; maintain a gentle simmer until the spinach wilts, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the greens vibrant and nutrients intact, resulting in a colorful and wholesome dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

For the Curry

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 cups spinach, fresh
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have everything prepped before you begin cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your curry:

Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Spices

Sprinkle in curry powder and cumin, stirring to coat the onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.

Incorporate Chickpeas

Add the chickpeas and diced tomatoes to the pan, mixing well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in Spinach and Coconut Milk

Pour in the coconut milk and gently fold in the spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the curry is heated through, about 5 more minutes.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm over rice or with flatbread.

Enjoy your delicious curry!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This chickpea spinach curry is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can cook a batch in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The spices meld and deepen in flavor over time, making it even more delicious as leftovers. Just remember to reheat gently over medium heat so the curry retains its creamy texture without breaking the coconut milk.

If you're looking to store the curry for longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove until warmed through. You can add a splash of coconut milk or water if the curry thickens after freezing.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This curry pairs beautifully with basmati rice, which absorbs the rich, creamy sauce, creating a satisfying meal. For a nutritious twist, try serving it over quinoa or enjoy it with whole grain flatbread. If you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added layer of flavor and garnishing.

Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on seasonal availability or dietary needs. For instance, replacing spinach with kale or adding bell peppers can give the dish a new texture and taste. Quinoa can substitute rice for a protein boost. Customize your curry to suit your cravings while maintaining its delicious essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the curry.

→ How can I make this curry spicier?

To add more heat, include a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve this curry with?

This curry pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a delightful meal.