Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, colorful, and deeply satisfying, Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice is here to brighten your table. This gently spiced vegan curry is packed with protein-rich chickpeas, luscious coconut milk, and plenty of fresh spinach, all ladled over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day and comes together surprisingly quickly—perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With every bite you get a balance of creamy, earthy, and aromatic flavors that keep you coming back for more. Trust me, you’ll want to add Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice to your regular rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice plays a key role in layering flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh touches to make this dish truly shine.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to kickstart the cooking and bring a subtle richness to the sautéed aromatics.
• Yellow onion: This base ingredient adds sweetness and depth, softening beautifully as it cooks.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the curry its unmistakable punch and loads of savory aroma.
• Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a vibrant, slightly spicy zing that brightens the entire dish.
• Curry powder: This blend infuses everything with classic curry flavor—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
• Ground cumin: Cumin offers an earthy, warm undertone that grounds the other spices.
• Turmeric: Turmeric lends a gorgeous golden color and mild, earthy flavor.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For a gentle heat, add just a touch—feel free to leave it out or dial it up to suit your taste.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Tomatoes bring brightness and just the right amount of acidity for balance.
• Canned chickpeas: The heart of the dish! Chickpeas add substance, protein, and a lovely chewy texture.
• Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a rich, creamy sauce that pulls everything together—don’t skimp here!
• Fresh spinach: Handfuls of fresh spinach wilt down beautifully, adding a pop of green goodness.
• Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors forward—taste and adjust as you like.
• Black pepper: Adds a final touch of warmth and complexity.
• Cooked basmati rice: Fragrant and fluffy, rice is the perfect canvas for soaking up this delicious curry.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro brightens everything up and adds a splash of color when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and let it cook for around 5 minutes until it softens and turns translucent—resist the urge to rush this part, as slowly cooked onions lay the groundwork for a deeper, sweeter curry flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another minute. As everything sizzles, your kitchen will be filled with the most wonderful aroma—this combination is the backbone of Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice.

Step 3: Mix in Spices

Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and (if using) cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until the onions are evenly coated, and the spices are gently toasted—this helps unlock their flavors and gives the dish its signature golden color.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, juices and all. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. The acidity from the tomatoes adds brightness, balancing the richness of the coconut milk you’ll add later.

Step 5: Stir in Chickpeas and Coconut Milk

Add the drained, rinsed chickpeas and the full-fat coconut milk, then mix everything together. Let the curry simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes—this is where Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice really comes to life, as all the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Last but not least, add the fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted. It only takes 2 to 3 minutes for the spinach to collapse into the sauce and turn vibrant green.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste the curry and adjust with salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve generous spoonfuls of curry over bowls of hot, cooked basmati rice, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired. That’s Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice, ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped cilantro adds both color and a fresh, herby lift to each serving. A wedge of lime on the side is perfect for anyone who loves a touch of tang. For extra crunch, you can scatter on some thinly sliced green onions or toasted coconut flakes—each garnish turns Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice into something special.

Side Dishes

This curry is already a complete meal, but you can elevate your spread with a stack of warm naan or roti for scooping, some crisp papadums for crunch, or a tangy cucumber raita to cool things down. A simple cucumber-tomato salad also works wonders alongside the rich, creamy curry.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice in wide, shallow bowls for a beautiful swirl of colors. If you’re entertaining, try spooning the curry into small glasses or jars for individual servings at a party. Leftover curry also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed baked sweet potatoes or wraps, and it’s just as tasty cold the next day as part of a picnic spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), place the curry and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The curry will keep well for up to four days, and the flavors actually deepen over time, making Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice even better the next day.

Freezing

This curry freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. The spinach might lose a bit of its vibrant color upon thawing, but the flavor remains fantastic. Store the rice separately for the best texture when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the curry gently on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if it’s looking a little thick. The rice can be fluffed up in the microwave or in a steamer for that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas until tender before adding them to the curry. Canned chickpeas are a time-saver, but cooked-from-scratch chickpeas can offer a lovely, firm texture.

Is it possible to make Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice without coconut milk?

Of course! If you need a coconut-free option, substitute with an equal amount of cashew cream or a creamy non-dairy milk. The sauce may not be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious and comforting.

Does this recipe work with other leafy greens?

Absolutely. If you’re out of spinach, try using baby kale or Swiss chard. Both wilt down beautifully and add their own subtle flavor twist to Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice.

How can I make the curry spicier?

To kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or toss in a finely chopped fresh chili (like serrano or jalapeño) with the garlic and ginger. You can taste and adjust at the end for your perfect spice level.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Yes! Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice is an excellent meal-prep option. Store portions of curry and rice separately in the fridge, and you’ll have nourishing lunches or dinners ready to go all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and downright delicious, I can’t recommend Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice enough. It’s simple enough for any night of the week, yet vibrant enough to impress family and friends. Make a batch soon and enjoy every comforting, flavor-packed bite!

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