One-Pot Spiced Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A vibrant vegetarian curry simmered with aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and fresh spinach for a wholesome meal. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe (gluten free), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup, uncooked basmati rice
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until clear, then soak for 20 minutes while preparing the curry.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp garam masala, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 cup coconut milk, mixing thoroughly, then bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Step 6: Add 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with 2 cups water; stir gently to combine.
- Step 8: Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 9: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3 minutes until wilted.
- Step 10: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top, and fluff the rice-curry mixture before serving.









