Thursday, April 26, 2012

Spinach Tomato and Chickpea Curry

I know the real name for this dish is out there, it's kind of chana masala kind of not.  Who cares what its called- it's easy, fast, and only dirties one pan.  Can't complain about that!  It's also happens to be vegan, really filling, and has a huge dose of greens.  It started out looking like a creamy pink soup, then turned orange, and then finally burnt orange, until adding the spinach.  My little toddler slurped it up so I totally think this is kid appropriate- but she happens to like spicy ethnic stuff.

The only negative about this dish (or any curry) to me is that the smell hangs around maybe a bit longer than I'd like.  Might help if I opened windows.

Spinach Tomato and Chickpea Curry
1 can coconut milk (mine was TJ's light)
1 can chickpeas, washed and drained
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 lb bag frozen spinach
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tbsp EVOO
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp curry powder
S&P to taste
sprinkle of garam masala to finish

Cook your onions over medium heat until they start to brown, then add your garlic and cook for another minute.  Add your chickpeas and coat well, cooking for about 2-3 minutes more.  Then add your coconut milk and tomato and stir stir stir!  Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes and season with salt and pepper.  Then add your curry powder.  The mixture should be bubbling.  Taste it at this point and see how you like it, and adjust accordingly.  Maybe add some red pepper flakes?  Cumin?  Cinnamon?  Whatever you want.  Let the mixture reduce and thicken, then add your thawed spinach.  Continue cooking until spinach is hot, then season with a bit of garam masala and serve.  This makes probably 5-6 servings depending on who's eating it- how hungry, if it's main vs. side etc.

We are big spinach eaters in this house- and I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it.  Tell me- what's your favorite way to eat spinach?  Do you ever "hide" it in foods?  This sounds odd but I want to try a savory spinach bread sometime.

Let me know what you think! XoXoGFG

2 comments:

  1. I love a good curry but usually find a pre-mixed packet that will work. But this looks great for my vegan husband. Thanks!

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  2. hi amber! your husband is vegan? are you primal/paleo? what an interesting dynamic!

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