Description
Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice is a flavorful and comforting vegetarian dish featuring creamy coconut curry, tender chickpeas, and fresh spinach served over fragrant jasmine rice. This easy-to-make curry is enhanced with red curry paste, garlic, and a hint of brown sugar for a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal that highlights vibrant Thai-inspired flavors.
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
Optional Garnishes
- Dollop of chili crisp
- Squeeze of lime
- Additional chopped cilantro
- Pickled cucumber salad (recommended as a side)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the jasmine rice according to the package directions until fluffy and fully cooked. Set aside and keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics and Curry Paste: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red curry paste, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Stir in brown sugar, full fat coconut milk, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, which should take a few minutes.
- Incorporate Chickpeas and Greens: Add drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped spinach, and chopped cilantro to the curry. Cook until the chickpeas are heated through and the spinach is wilted. For a creamier texture, gently mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Adjust Flavor and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning as desired. Optional additions include a squeeze of lime juice, fresh ginger, or lemongrass to add extra brightness. Serve the curry over the prepared jasmine rice with optional chili crisp, additional cilantro, and a side of pickled cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, lightly mash some of the chickpeas while cooking.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or extra fresh ginger or lemongrass to enhance the flavors.
- Serve with chili crisp for added heat and texture.
- Pickled cucumber salad is a recommended side that complements the dish perfectly.
- This recipe uses full fat coconut milk for richness, but light coconut milk can be used for a lower calorie version.
- Use brands like Maesri or Thai Kitchen for authentic red curry paste flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: chickpea curry, spinach curry, thai curry, vegetarian curry, coconut curry, jasmine rice, easy curry recipe, plant-based dinner
