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Vegan Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Tomatoes

Vegan Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Tomatoes


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  • Author: Olivia Harper
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp oil – I use olive oil, but any cooking oil works
  • 1 pint sliced cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy; can swap for 1 can diced tomatoes if needed
  • 3 tsp chili powder – Adjust less for milder curry or more if you like heat
  • 5 tsp curry powder – The star spice; use your favorite blend
  • 3.5 tsp cumin – Adds earthy flavor; can reduce to 2 tsp if you prefer
  • 2 tsp onion powder – Gives onion flavor without chopping; use 1 diced onion instead if you have time
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works too
  • 1/2 tsp pepper – Adds gentle heat
  • 1 tsp salt – Start with this, then adjust to taste
  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained – About 1.5 cups; the main protein
  • 3/4 cup cooked corn – Adds sweetness and texture; frozen works great
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk – Makes it creamy; light coconut milk works but isn’t as rich
  • 1.5 cups packed spinach – Adds color and nutrition; baby spinach is easiest
  • Cilantro and red chili flakes for garnish – Optional but pretty!

Instructions

Prepare your base

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat
  • When oil is hot, add the sliced cherry tomatoes
  • Add all the spices at once: chili powder, curry powder, cumin, onion powder, pepper, and salt
  • Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning

Build flavor

  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring continuously
  • You’ll smell the amazing aroma of the spices – that means they’re releasing all their flavor!

Create the curry

  • Add the chickpeas, corn, and coconut milk
  • Stir everything together until well combined
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes
  • Stir occasionally and watch it thicken beautifully

Finish it off

  • Add the spinach and cover the pot
  • Cook for about 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down
  • Give everything a final stir
  • Taste and add more salt if needed
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like

How To Cook Dried Chickpeas

I often use canned chickpeas for convenience, but cooking dried chickpeas gives amazing texture and saves money! Here’s how I do it:

Soak the chickpeas

  • Quick soak: Cover 1 cup dried chickpeas with water, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour
  • Overnight soak: Cover chickpeas with water and let sit for 8-12 hours

Cook them

  • Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas
  • Place in a large pot with fresh water (about 3 cups)
  • Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until tender
  • One cup dried chickpeas yields about 3 cups cooked

Store for later

  • Cooked chickpeas keep in the fridge for 3-4 days
  • Freeze in 1.5 cup portions (equal to one can) for up to 3 months

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on the spices – they build the flavor base
  • Let the curry simmer for longer (15-20 minutes) if you have time for deeper flavor
  • Add the spinach only in the last few minutes to keep its bright green color
  • If the curry seems too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt – it makes all the flavors pop!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Sugar: 5.7 g
  • Sodium: 362 mg
  • Fat: 12.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 13 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 8 mg