Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach
A rich and warming vegan curry featuring tender adzuki beans simmered in creamy coconut milk with fresh spinach and aromatic spices. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 540 minutes pairs dried adzuki beans, water, (14 oz) coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried adzuki beans
- 4 cups water
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried adzuki beans thoroughly, then soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Step 2: Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot with 4 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 40 minutes until the beans are tender but not mushy; drain and set aside.
- Step 3: While beans cook, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and golden around the edges.
- Step 5: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 6: Mix in 2 tbsp curry powder and 1 tsp ground turmeric, stirring well to coat the onion mixture, and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the spices' flavor.
- Step 7: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 8: Add the cooked adzuki beans and 3 cups fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the spinach wilts and the curry thickens slightly.
- Step 9: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lime juice, stirring well before serving hot over rice or flatbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 540 minutes (480 min prep + 60 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 Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach?
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 dried adzuki beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach?
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 Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach 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 Simmered Adzuki Bean and Coconut Curry with Spinach vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
