Chickpea & Spinach Masala with Cumin Rice

A quick and hearty vegan curry featuring protein-rich chickpeas and vibrant spinach in a spiced tomato sauce, brightened with fresh lemon. Served with fragrant cumin-infused basmati rice.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 15 min
- Total: 25 min
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Indian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $3.79/serving
Dietary
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free
- Egg-Free
- High-Fiber
- Pescatarian
- Low-Fat
Tags
- sauté
- stir-fry
- healthy
- quick
- comfort food
- savory
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup basmati rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 yellow onion (medium, finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 0.25 cup vegetable broth
- 5 ounce fresh spinach
- 0.5 lemon (juiced)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook cumin rice: Rinse 1/2 cup basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a small saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 1 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- While rice cooks, start the curry: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 0.5 medium yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh ginger and 2 cloves garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 tablespoon curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Stir in 1 can chickpeas, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add 5 ounces fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the juice from 0.5 lemon. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Serve the chickpea and spinach masala hot alongside the cumin rice.
Notes
If you like extra heat, a pinch of red chili flakes can be added along with the other spices. This dish also pairs well with a side of plain vegan yogurt or a fresh cucumber salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 601
- Protein: 24.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 96.2 g
- Fat: 10.9 g
- Fiber: 18.4 g
- Sodium: 2023 mg
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Sugar: 12.9 g