Dinner
Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Coconut Milk and Basmati Rice

About this dish
This comforting chickpea and spinach curry is a staple in my kitchen—creamy coconut milk mingles with warm spices and tender greens for a dish that's both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Serve it over fragrant basmati rice for a complete meal that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Basmati rice
grain1 cup (200 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Water
liquid2 cups (480 ml)
Imperial measurement: 2 cups
Coconut oil
fat2 tablespoons (30 ml)
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion, finely chopped
vegetable1 medium (about 150 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced
vegetable4 cloves, minced (12 g)
Imperial measurement: 4 cloves
Fresh ginger, grated
spice1 tablespoon (15 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
Ground turmeric
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Ground coriander
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Garam masala
spice1 teaspoon (2 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
spice1/4 teaspoon or to taste
Diced tomatoes (canned)
vegetable1 can (400 g)
Imperial measurement: 1 can (14 oz)
Cooked chickpeas (canned)
protein2 cans (400 g each), drained and rinsed
Imperial measurement: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
Full-fat coconut milk
liquid1 can (400 ml)
Imperial measurement: 1 can (14 oz)
Fresh baby spinach
vegetable5 cups (150 g), roughly chopped
Imperial measurement: 5 ounces
Salt, to taste
seasoning1 teaspoon (6 g), or to taste
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
herb1/2 cup (15 g)
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Lime wedges (for serving)
fruit1 lime, cut into wedges
Method
Cook the Basmati Rice
20 minutesRinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Sauté Aromatics
6 minutesIn a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast the Spices
1 minuteStir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and coat the onions.
Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas
5 minutesAdd the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down. Add the chickpeas and coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
Simmer the Curry
15 minutesReduce heat to low and let the curry simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
Wilt the Spinach
3 minutesStir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated. Season with salt to taste.
Serve
2 minutesSpoon the curry over the cooked basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Wooden spoon
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For a richer curry, use full-fat coconut milk.
- If.
- If you prefer a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
- To intensify the flavor, toast the whole spices (like cumin seeds or coriander seeds) before grinding, or use freshly ground spices if possible.
- Add a handful of golden raisins or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if you like a hint of sweetness., This curry thickens as it cools, if you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating.
Serving suggestions
- Serve this curry over steamed basmati rice, with warm naan or roti on the side. A cucumber raita or a simple green salad would make a refreshing accompaniment.
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Recipe by
Anaya Narayanan
Specialises in Indian cuisineAnaya Sharma is a biryani specialist who layers rice like a architect.
Describe yourself in three words: Precise, proud, saffron hands.