Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice Recipe
Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice is a flavorful and comforting vegetarian curry featuring creamy coconut milk, fragrant red curry paste, and hearty chickpeas, complemented by fresh spinach and served over fragrant jasmine rice. This easy-to-make dish balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes for a satisfying meal with vibrant colors and rich texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Curry
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (more to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red curry paste (Maesri or Thai Kitchen brand recommended)
- 1 (14-ounce) can full fat coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the jasmine rice according to the package directions, ensuring it is fluffy and perfectly cooked to serve as a base for the curry.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red curry paste, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, releasing their full aromatic flavors.
- Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Stir in brown sugar, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, creating a rich curry sauce.
- Combine Chickpeas, Spinach, and Cilantro: Add the drained chickpeas, chopped spinach, and cilantro to the curry sauce. Cook until chickpeas are heated through and spinach wilts. Optionally, lightly mash the chickpeas with the back of a wooden spoon for a creamier texture.
- Adjust Flavor and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust seasonings as desired; additional lime juice, ginger, or lemongrass can be added for extra brightness. Serve the curry hot over the cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with extra cilantro and optionally chili crisp and pickled cucumber salad for added flavor complexity.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, lightly mash chickpeas before serving.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or extra ginger enhances the brightness of the curry.
- Serve with chili crisp and pickled cucumber salad for an authentic and refreshing accompaniment.
- Use full-fat coconut milk to achieve a rich and creamy curry sauce.
- This dish can be easily adapted to vegan by ensuring the soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Keywords: chickpea curry, spinach curry, vegetarian curry, coconut milk curry, red curry paste, jasmine rice, easy curry recipe, Thai curry, healthy vegetarian meals
