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Comforting Chana Saag Curry

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A warm, creamy, and spiced chickpea and spinach curry that is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners. This recipe balances hearty chickpeas with silky spinach and a gentle blend of spices for a nourishing and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups cooked chickpeas)
  • 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped, or 12 oz (340 g) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 large tomato, chopped, or 1/2 cup canned crushed tomato
  • 1 small green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut milk (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or mustard oil
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, and chili. If using fresh spinach, wash and roughly chop. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to coat the onion mixture. Add chopped tomato and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and saucy, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add spinach a handful at a time if fresh, letting it wilt before adding more (about 5 minutes). If using frozen spinach, mix in and cook until heated through and excess moisture evaporates.
  6. Add chickpeas and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Optional: Remove about 1 cup of curry and blend until smooth, then stir back in for extra creaminess.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels. Add cayenne or extra chili for more heat if desired. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to marry flavors.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Toast cumin seeds first to release oils and deepen flavor. Add spinach in batches if fresh to avoid mushiness. Blending a portion of the curry adds creaminess without dairy. Rinse canned chickpeas to reduce starchiness and canned flavor. Mustard oil adds authentic flavor but vegetable oil is a fine substitute. The curry holds well for reheating and flavors deepen after a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: chana saag curry, chickpea curry, spinach curry, vegan curry, creamy curry, easy dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free, plant-based

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/comforting-chana-saag-curry-recipe-easy-creamy-spiced-dinner/