Regional Herb-Infused Chickpea and Spinach Curry

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

A vibrant vegan curry packed with tender chickpeas and fresh spinach, enhanced by a blend of regional herbs and spices for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp regional curry spice blend (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala) and toast for 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice; simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 cups drained chickpeas and 4 cups fresh spinach leaves; cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Step 6: Pour 1 cup coconut milk and add 1 tsp salt; simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot over 2 cups cooked basmati rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Regional Herb-Infused Chickpea and Spinach Curry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Regional Herb-Infused 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Regional Herb-Infused 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 Regional Herb-Infused 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 Regional Herb-Infused Chickpea and Spinach Curry vegan?

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