Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Indian-inspired curry where pureed hidden vegetables enrich the sauce, creating a nourishing and flavorful vegetarian meal. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs chickpeas, spinach, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 large peeled and diced carrot, 1 cup cauliflower florets, and 2 cups cooked chickpeas; blend until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder; cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and the blended veggie-chickpea mixture. Stir well and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and 1 cup coconut milk, cook for 5 more minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens. Season with 1 tsp salt.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Hidden Veggie Chickpea and Spinach Curry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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