Quick Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Coconut Milk

I love having a go-to curry recipe that's both delicious and ridiculously fast. This chickpea and spinach curry is exactly that – it uses simple pantry staples and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don't have a lot of time. Even if you're new to cooking, you'll find this recipe incredibly forgiving and rewarding. The creamy coconut milk base, tender chickpeas, and wilted spinach create a wonderfully balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the curry simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach, a handful at a time, until it wilts into the curry. This should only take a couple of minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve the curry hot over cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.