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.
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.
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.
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and easy to make. Will be my go-to curry.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a vegan Easter feast. The spinach really brightened it up.