Flavorful Spiced Chickpea Curry with Spinach: A Simple Delight

Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Chana Saag): A Vegetarian Delight

Imagine a bowl of comforting warmth: Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Chana Saag) is a vibrant and flavorful dish where tender chickpeas mingle with fresh spinach in a fragrant, creamy tomato-based sauce. Infused with aromatic Indian spices, this hearty curry offers a delightful balance of earthy flavors and subtle heat, perfect for a satisfying and nourishing weeknight meal. Experience the ease of creating this vegetarian delight and transport your taste buds to India with every delicious bite.

A Culinary Journey to India

Chana Saag, meaning "chickpea spinach," is a classic vegetarian dish from India, beloved for its simplicity and rich flavors. This recipe brings the heart of Indian cuisine to your kitchen, showcasing the magic of everyday ingredients transformed into an extraordinary meal. The earthy warmth of cumin and coriander blends seamlessly with the subtle spice of turmeric and the vibrant zing of ginger and garlic. The creamy tomato sauce provides a comforting embrace, while the tender spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch. It's a dish that embodies the essence of #indianfood, a testament to the beauty of simple cooking.

Recipe: Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Chana Saag)

This recipe is perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and delicious #vegetarian meal. It’s packed with protein from the chickpeas and nutrients from the spinach, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome dinner. The customizable spice level allows you to tailor it to your preferences, whether you prefer a mild curry or a dish with a bit more kick.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors.
7. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
8. If using, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream for extra richness.
9. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked basmati rice.

Expert Tips & Variations:

• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially blend the curry after simmering the tomatoes.
• Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, cauliflower florets, or cubed sweet potatoes along with the chickpeas for a heartier curry.
• Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream to make it #veganfriendly.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or green chili to control the spice level.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 350-400
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g (depending on cream)

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot over basmati rice with a side of naan bread or roti. A dollop of plain yogurt or a cucumber raita would also complement the dish nicely. This #chickpeacurry and #spinachcurry is a complete meal in itself, perfect for a cozy night in. The versatility of this #chanasaag recipe means you can adjust the spice levels and add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes and culinary adventures, be sure to check out our website, Flavor Trail Recipes, where you'll find a treasure trove of inspiration for your next meal. We’re passionate about sharing simple, flavorful recipes that bring joy to the kitchen and to the table. This #healthyfood is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of #chickpea, #spinach, and aromatic #indian spices creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.