Stovetop Instant Chickpea Curry with Spinach

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

A hearty and vibrant chickpea curry ready in under 30 minutes, enriched with warm spices and fresh spinach for a nutritious vegetarian meal. This indian-inspired instant pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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 soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp curry powder and 1 tsp ground cumin, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup diced tomatoes and 1 cup coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 3 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Serve warm with rice or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Instant Chickpea Curry with Spinach 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 Stovetop Instant Chickpea 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Instant Chickpea 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 Stovetop Instant Chickpea 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 Stovetop Instant Chickpea Curry with Spinach vegetarian?

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

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