Best 7 Indian Spinach And Chickpeas Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of India with this delectable collection of spinach and chickpea recipes. Discover the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in these dishes that celebrate the versatility of these wholesome ingredients. From the comforting and creamy Palak Paneer to the tangy and refreshing Spinach Raita, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. For a delightful main course, indulge in the aromatic and flavorful Spinach and Chickpea Curry, brimming with fragrant spices and a symphony of textures. If you prefer a quick and easy meal, try the fuss-free Spinach and Chickpea Stir-fry, packed with vibrant colors and a delightful crunch. And for a refreshing side dish, whip up the zesty and tangy Lemon and Spinach Salad, a perfect accompaniment to any meal. These recipes not only showcase the culinary heritage of India but also cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and create a vibrant and flavorful feast that will transport you to the heart of India's culinary traditions.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKPEA SPINACH CURRY (CHANA PALAK MASALA)



Chickpea Spinach Curry (Chana Palak Masala) image

Tired of paying a fortune for takeaways, or just fancy something healthier? Try this tasty healthy chickpea spinach curry, with a tomato and onion spiced gravy and a touch of coconut milk for richness.

Provided by The Fiery Vegetarian

Categories     Lunch and Dinner

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tbsp sunflower or canola oil
1 large onion finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 inch ginger, finely grated
1 tbsp ground coriander
1/2 tbsp ground turmeric
1/2 tbsp ground cumin
1/4 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes
1.5 cups crushed tomatoes (400g)
2.5 cups cooked chickpeas (400g)
1/2 cup vegetable stock (120 ml)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach or 100gm fresh/frozen chopped spinach
1/2 - 1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp lemon juice
OPTIONAL: 1/4-1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (50-100 ml)
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves (coriander leaves)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium-high setting. Sauté the finely chopped onion until golden.
  • Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic doesn't smell raw anymore.
  • Mix in the next four ingredients (ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne) and toast for two minutes stirring often.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, chickpeas and vegetable stock. Increase the heat to high and once boiling, lower to medium-low to maintain at a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every now and then.
  • Add 1/2 tsp salt, the sugar, and the spinach. If the spinach is frozen increase the heat until the curry is bubbling away again. Simmer for an additional five minutes.
  • Add the garam masala, lemon juice and coconut milk and stir. Sprinkle over the chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417 calories, Carbohydrate 47 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 17 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 20 grams fat, Fiber 10 grams fiber, Protein 17 grams protein, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 669 milligrams sodium, Sugar 16 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams unsaturated fat

INDIAN SPINACH AND CHICKPEAS



Indian Spinach and Chickpeas image

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
Salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup whole milk plain yogurt
3/4 cup half-and-half
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add spices and cook until fragrant. Add yogurt, half-and-half, thawed spinach with its liquid, and drained chickpeas. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until heated through.

VEGETARIAN CHANA MASALA WITH SPINACH



Vegetarian Chana Masala With Spinach image

Chana masala with spinach is a recipe variation for a traditional vegetarian Indian dish made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans) in a spiced sauce.

Provided by Jolinda Hackett

Categories     Entree     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (diced)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas (undrained, or 1 1/2 cups precooked chickpeas plus 1/2 cup water)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice from one lemon)
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 pound spinach (a large bunch or two handfuls, rinsed)

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add chickpeas straight from the can, including all the water.
  • Add lemon juice, curry powder, coriander powder, ground cumin, and garam masala. Simmer about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding more water if needed until chickpeas are cooked and soft.
  • Reduce the heat, add spinach and cover. Allow spinach to wilt for 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your chana masala. A dish like this should be served with either plain white rice, simple Indian basmati rice , Indian lemon rice, or quinoa . But another alternative is to serve it with warm Indian bread such as naan, roti, or chapati. Those are excellent for dipping into the mixture. Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy them within three to five days. Chana masala is perfect for freezing and taking to the office for lunch later, so make a double batch if you'd like. It will retain the best quality in the freezer for three to six months and reheats easily in the microwave. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents. For a heartier chana masala, toss in some tofu with the chickpeas and serve over rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 406 kcal, Carbohydrate 48 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 15 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 526 mg, Sugar 8 g, Fat 19 g, ServingSize 3 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

INDIAN SPINACH-AND-CHICKPEA FRITTERS



Indian Spinach-and-Chickpea Fritters image

Provided by Young Sun Huh

Categories     appetizer

Time 35m

Yield 24 fritters

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup chickpea flour (available at Middle Eastern, Indian or health-food stores), or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and roughly chopped
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
Mango chutney, for serving

Steps:

  • Whisk the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cumin seeds, cayenne and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add 2/3 cup water and whisk until smooth. Add the onion, chickpeas, spinach and ginger to the batter and mix to combine.
  • Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil (do not crowd the pan). Cook until lightly golden, about 2 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Cool slightly, then gently press each fritter into a small disk, about 1/3 inch thick.
  • Return the fritters to the hot oil and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and serve with chutney.

CHICKPEAS WITH TOMATOES & SPINACH



Chickpeas with tomatoes & spinach image

For a great night in, whip up this warming meal, serve with a bit of naan and get comfy on the sofa

Provided by Roopa Gulati

Categories     Dinner, Side dish, Supper

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ finger length piece fresh root ginger, shredded
2 mild red chillies, thinly sliced
½ tsp turmeric
¾ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
4 tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp tomato purée
400g can chickpea, rinsed and drained
200g baby spinach leaves
rice or naan bread, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a wok and fry the onion over a low heat until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for a further 5 mins until the onions are golden and the garlic slightly toasted.
  • Add the turmeric, garam masala and cumin, stirring over a low heat for a few secs. Tip in the chopped tomatoes and add the tomato purée, then simmer for 5 mins.
  • Add the chickpeas to the pan with 300ml water (fill the can three-quarters full). Simmer for 10 mins before stirring in the spinach to wilt. Season and serve with rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145 calories, Fat 6 grams fat, Carbohydrate 17 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 7 grams protein, Sodium 0.56 milligram of sodium

CHICKPEAS WITH BABY SPINACH



Chickpeas With Baby Spinach image

This is mostly a pantry dish, very quick to put together. You can serve it on its own, with couscous or pasta, or over a thick slice of toasted bread rubbed with garlic.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weekday, main course

Time 30m

Yield Serves three

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Salt, preferably kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock, or water
Cayenne, to taste
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about five minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, tomato paste and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring for one to two minutes, until fragrant and the tomato paste has turned a darker color. Add the chickpeas, the stock or water, and the cayenne, and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach, a handful at a time, stirring until each addition of spinach wilts. Add salt to taste and simmer uncovered, stirring often, for five minutes. Add lots of freshly ground pepper, taste and adjust salt and cayenne, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 306, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 764 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

CHANA MASALA (CHICKPEA CURRY) WITH SPINACH



Chana masala (chickpea curry) with spinach image

A superhealthy vegetable-packed curry with chickpeas, spinach and tomatoes. Serve this delicious Indian dish with filling brown basmati rice

Provided by Jennifer Irvine

Categories     Main course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 16

400g can chickpeas , drained
1 tsp cumin seed
1 medium onion , finely chopped
1 garlic clove , finely chopped
1cm piece ginger , peeled and finely chopped or grated
1 tsp garam masala
½ red chilli , deseeded and finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika
400g can whole plum tomato
juice ½ lemon
220g bag baby spinach
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
75g quick-cook brown basmati rice

Steps:

  • Heat a large non-stick pan and dry-fry the cumin seeds for 1 min, stirring often, while they pop. Remove and set aside. Cook the rice following pack instructions.
  • Heat the oil using the same large pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli, and sauté over a medium heat for about 3 mins. Reduce the heat, add all the spices, stir well and cook for a further 2 mins.
  • Add the tomatoes, stirring, and use the side of a spoon to break them up into smaller bite-sized chunks.
  • Add the chickpeas and 200ml water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and spinach. Let the spinach wilt, then remove the pan from the heat.
  • Divide the rice between 2 bowls, and serve the curry. (The flavours intensify as it cools, so for a fuller flavour, make earlier in the day and reheat slowly prior to serving.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 420 calories, Fat 12 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 60 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 12 grams fiber, Protein 20 grams protein, Sodium 1.3 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach has a better flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you can't find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
  • Rinse the chickpeas: Rinsing the chickpeas removes any excess starch and helps them cook evenly.
  • Use a variety of spices: The spices in this recipe give it a delicious flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your taste.
  • Cook the spinach and chickpeas until they are tender: Spinach and chickpeas should be cooked until they are tender but still have a little bit of a bite to them.
  • Serve with rice or bread: This dish is traditionally served with rice or bread. You can also serve it with quinoa or your favorite grain.

Conclusion:

This Indian spinach and chickpeas recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is easy to make. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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