Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala
A quick and nutritious stir-fry of fresh spinach and chickpeas seasoned with aromatic garam masala and garlic. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs cooked chickpeas, minced garlic cloves, garam masala for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 300 grams, washed and chopped fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup cooked chickpeas, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp red chili powder, and salt to taste; stir-fry for 2 minutes to coat chickpeas with spices.
- Step 3: Add 300 grams chopped fresh spinach and 2 tbsp water to the pan; cover and cook for 4-5 minutes until the spinach wilts completely.
- Step 4: Remove lid, stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture and blend flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala?
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 cooked chickpeas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala?
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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Spinach and Chickpea Stir-Fry with Garam Masala vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
