Zesty Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice Recipe to Delight

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this vibrant spicy chickpea curry that promises bold flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Packed with aromatic spices and tender chickpeas, the dish delivers a delightful blend of warmth and comfort.

Spinach adds a fresh, green dimension to the curry, making each bite packed with nutrition and color.

The rice serves as a perfect canvas for soaking up the rich, spicy sauce.

Protein-rich chickpeas mingle with fragrant herbs and spices, creating a meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Straightforward to prepare and incredibly delicious, this curry transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every flavorful spoonful of this hearty, wholesome meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 4

Chickpea Spinach Curry Ingredient Checklist

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and fluffy base that perfectly complements the rich curry flavors, choose long-grain variety for best texture.

• Garlic, Red Curry Paste: Creates a powerful flavor foundation, select fresh garlic and authentic Thai-style curry paste for authentic taste.
• Brown Sugar: Balances spiciness with subtle sweetness, adds depth to the curry sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and saltiness, enhances overall complexity of the dish.

• Chickpeas: Hearty plant-based protein packed with fiber, opt for canned or pre-cooked for convenience.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritional boost, select fresh leaves for maximum freshness.
• Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds zesty finish, choose crisp leaves with no wilting.

• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, luxurious base for curry, select full-fat version for richer texture.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy dimension, freshly squeezed provides best flavor.
• Chili Crisp: Optional spicy topping for extra kick, enhances overall complexity.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for sautéing aromatics, use vegetable or neutral oil with high smoke point.

Cooking Gear for Chickpea Spinach Curry

• Large skillet or saucepan: Essential for sautéing aromatics and cooking the curry sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic, spinach, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately adding curry paste, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Rice cooker or pot: Required for preparing the jasmine rice.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring coconut milk and other liquid ingredients.

How to Make Chickpea Curry with Rice

• Kick Off the Rice

Grab your jasmine rice and cook it following the package instructions. This will be your fluffy base for the delicious curry.

• Awaken the Flavors

Heat a large skillet with oil over medium flame. Toss in minced garlic and red curry paste, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic for a couple of minutes.

• Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in coconut milk, sprinkle brown sugar, and add a splash of soy sauce. Let everything bubble gently and blend into a gorgeous, silky sauce.

• Introduce Chickpeas and Greens

Drop the chickpeas into the simmering sauce and let them hang out, soaking up all the incredible flavors. After a few minutes, toss in fresh spinach and watch it wilt into the curry.

• Final Flourish

Brighten the dish with fresh cilantro and a zesty lime squeeze. Ladle the steaming curry over your perfectly cooked rice. Feel free to crown it with extra cilantro or a spoonful of chili crisp for an extra flavor punch.

Flavor Swaps & Tips for Chickpea Curry

• Use canned chickpeas drained and rinsed for faster cooking, or soak dried chickpeas overnight for deeper flavor and softer texture.
• Adjust red curry paste quantity to make the dish mild or extra spicy – start with less and taste as you go.
• Add tofu, cooked chicken, or shrimp for extra protein if desired, making the curry more substantial and versatile.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce, and dairy-free/vegan by ensuring all ingredients match dietary needs.

Serving Chickpea Curry Like a Pro

• Cilantro Confetti: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of herbal freshness that adds bright color and zesty flavor to your curry.
• Chili Crisp Kick: Add a spoonful of chili crisp for extra crunch and a spicy punch that elevates the entire dish with its complex heat and texture.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Create a beautiful rice bowl by layering the chickpea curry over jasmine rice, creating a visually appealing meal with delicious depth and contrast.
• Yogurt Swirl: Dollop a cool, creamy Greek yogurt on top to balance the curry's warmth and add a tangy complement that softens the dish's spiciness.

Chickpea Curry Storage & Planning Ideas

• Keep leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 35 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer curry to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm curry gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of coconut milk to restore original creamy consistency. Microwave works too, but stovetop maintains better texture.
• Store rice and curry separately to prevent soggy grains. Reheat rice in a covered dish with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Keep components fresh by storing in individual containers.

Spicy Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy chickpea curry with spinach delivers hearty Mediterranean flavors in one comforting bowl. Fragrant spices and tender chickpeas nestled over fluffy rice create a delicious meal perfect for hungry souls seeking global culinary adventure.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2–3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 ½ tbsps red curry paste
• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 ½ tbsps soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice of ½ lime (optional)
• 1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice (or rice of choice), cooked according to package instructions
• Extra cilantro or chili crisp (optional, for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Craft jasmine rice following package guidelines for optimal texture and flavor.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Warm oil in a spacious skillet, introduce minced garlic and vibrant red curry paste, sautéing until an enticing fragrance emerges and ingredients meld harmoniously.
3. Liquid Symphony: Incorporate brown sugar, silky coconut milk, and umami-rich soy sauce, gently coaxing the mixture into a delicate simmer to develop complex flavor profiles.
4. Protein and Green Integration: Introduce hearty chickpeas, allowing them to luxuriate and absorb the surrounding curry essence. Fold in fresh spinach, permitting the leaves to gracefully wilt and intertwine with the sauce.
5. Final Flourish: Elevate the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and a bright lime juice splash. Present the aromatic curry atop the prepared rice, optionally garnishing with additional cilantro or a zingy chili crisp for enhanced sensory experience.

Notes

• Adjust red curry paste amount to control heat level, starting with less and gradually adding more for personalized spiciness.
• Add spinach at the very end and remove from heat quickly to maintain vibrant green color and nutrient retention.
• Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture and digestibility.
• Toast curry paste in oil for an extra minute before adding liquid ingredients to develop richer, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg