Dinner

Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Coconut Milk and Basmati Rice

A bowl of chickpea and spinach curry with coconut milk, served over basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro
Prep
15 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
4
IndianEasyDinnerVegetarianVeganGluten FreeDairy Free

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

grain

1 cup (200 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Water

liquid

2 cups (480 ml)

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Coconut oil

fat

2 tablespoons (30 ml)

Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons

Yellow onion, finely chopped

vegetable

1 medium (about 150 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 medium

Garlic cloves, minced

vegetable

4 cloves, minced (12 g)

Imperial measurement: 4 cloves

Fresh ginger, grated

spice

1 tablespoon (15 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon

Ground turmeric

spice

1 teaspoon (2 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

spice

1 teaspoon (2 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

Ground coriander

spice

1 teaspoon (2 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

Garam masala

spice

1 teaspoon (2 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)

spice

1/4 teaspoon or to taste

Diced tomatoes (canned)

vegetable

1 can (400 g)

Imperial measurement: 1 can (14 oz)

Cooked chickpeas (canned)

protein

2 cans (400 g each), drained and rinsed

Imperial measurement: 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed

Full-fat coconut milk

liquid

1 can (400 ml)

Imperial measurement: 1 can (14 oz)

Fresh baby spinach

vegetable

5 cups (150 g), roughly chopped

Imperial measurement: 5 ounces

Salt, to taste

seasoning

1 teaspoon (6 g), or to taste

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon, or to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

herb

1/2 cup (15 g)

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Lime wedges (for serving)

fruit

1 lime, cut into wedges

Method

1

Cook the Basmati Rice

20 minutes

Rinse 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.

2

Sauté Aromatics

6 minutes

In 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.

3

Toast the Spices

1 minute

Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and coat the onions.

4

Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas

5 minutes

Add 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.

5

Simmer the Curry

15 minutes

Reduce heat to low and let the curry simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

6

Wilt the Spinach

3 minutes

Stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated. Season with salt to taste.

7

Serve

2 minutes

Spoon 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

420 kcal
Calories
17 g
Protein
78 g
Carbohydrates
27 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
700 mg
Sodium

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.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Anaya Narayanan

Recipe by

Anaya Narayanan

Specialises in Indian cuisine

Anaya Sharma is a biryani specialist who layers rice like a architect.

Describe yourself in three words: Precise, proud, saffron hands.