Garlic Chickpeas and Spinach Curry Recipe
A flavorful, protein-packed curry that combines the earthy richness of chickpeas with the vibrant freshness of spinach, infused with aromatic spices and garlic. This Garlic Chickpeas and Spinach Curry is a perfect dish for a wholesome, satisfying dinner. Whether served with saffron pilaf, pita bread, or jeera rice, it promises to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 1 cup |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 cup |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (sliced) | 2 |
| Garlic Cloves | 12 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | A pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fiber | ~10g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Soak and Cook Chickpeas
Begin by rinsing the chickpeas (Kabuli chana) twice to remove any impurities. Soak them in enough water for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. The next day, drain the soaking water and transfer the chickpeas into a pressure cooker. Add 4 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and turmeric powder. Cook the chickpeas under high pressure for one whistle. After that, reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to naturally release.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
While the chickpeas are cooking, wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under running water. If you’re using baby spinach, simply remove the stalks. For regular spinach, tear the leaves into smaller pieces, roughly in half or thirds.
Step 3: Saute the Aromatics
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sautΓ© until they become soft and translucent. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once the onions are aromatic, add the sliced tomatoes to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften, but don’t let them turn mushy.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Spinach
Next, add the cumin powder, paprika, and turmeric to the onions and tomatoes. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil. Toss in the spinach leaves, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and integrates with the spices.
Step 5: Combine Chickpeas and Simmer
Add the cooked chickpeas along with the water they were cooked in to the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Let the curry simmer for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Finish with Garam Masala
Sprinkle a pinch of garam masala powder over the curry and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and cover the pan, letting it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
Step 7: Serve
Serve this Garlic Chickpeas and Spinach Curry hot with a side of Saffron Pilaf, Jeera Rice, or Pita Bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Soaking Chickpeas: If you forget to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can use the quick soak method. Boil the chickpeas for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them sit covered for an hour before cooking them in the pressure cooker.
- Spinach: Baby spinach works best for this curry, but you can use regular spinach as well. If using regular spinach, remember to tear the leaves before cooking.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It will balance the earthiness of the chickpeas and spinach with a refreshing zing.
- Add Protein: If you want to make this dish even more filling, consider adding some cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or cooked chicken.
This Garlic Chickpeas and Spinach Curry is the perfect way to enjoy a nutrient-rich, high-protein vegetarian meal. Packed with vibrant flavors and comforting spices, itβs a go-to recipe for any busy weeknight or a special occasion meal with friends and family.
