Spicy Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Curry
A vibrant, protein-packed vegan curry bursting with spices and tender chickpeas simmered in tomato sauce and fresh spinach. This indian-inspired easter (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 14 oz (400 g) canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 5 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 5 cups chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Curry take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Vegan 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 Spicy Vegan 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 Spicy Vegan 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 Spicy Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Curry 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazing curry! The spice level was just right for my kids.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a vegan Easter feast. The spinach really brightened it up.
- ★★★★★
Loved the flavor! My family devoured it for Easter dinner.