Chana Saag Curry
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
36003 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian, International, Vegetarian, Vegan, gluten-free
Chana Saag Curry
Description
Chana Saag Curry incorporates long-grain white rice cooked separately to fluffy perfection, paired with a spiced chickpea and spinach curry. The base is a sauté of diced onion, garlic, and grated fresh ginger cooked gently in olive oil until tender. Curry powder and cumin are added to build a fragrant spice backbone, followed by diced tomato which softens to create a subtle acidic counterpoint.
Rinsed canned chickpeas and frozen chopped spinach are added along with water and a small amount of coconut milk to create a mildly creamy texture, melding the ingredients into a cohesive curry. The slow simmer allows the flavors to develop fully while keeping the chickpeas intact and the spinach finely incorporated.
This curry pairs well with the cooked white rice, which is prepared by boiling then steaming undisturbed to create fluffy, separate grains. Served together, the rice and curry provide a balanced meal with protein, greens, and spices in a comforting format suitable for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice $0.95
- 1 yellow onion $0.32
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 Tbsp ginger $0.30, grated fresh
- 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
- 1 Tbsp curry powder $0.30, hot or mild
- 1 tsp cumin $0.10, ground
- 3/4 tsp salt $0.03
- 1 tomato $0.31
- 1 lb. spinach $1.60, frozen, chopped
- 1 oz. can chickpeas $0.49
- 1/2 cup water $0.00
- 1 oz. can coconut milk $2.79
Instructions
- Begin the rice first. Add the rice and 3 cups water to a sauce pot. Cover with a lid, place the pot over high heat, and bring it up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes, undisturbed, with the lid in place. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
- While the rice is cooking, begin the curry. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to a large skillet with the olive oil and sauté over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft. While these are cooking, dice the tomato.
- Add the curry powder and cumin to the skillet and continue to stir and cook for one minute more. Add the diced tomato and salt. Continue to cook for about five minutes more, or until the tomato has broken down.
- Drain the chickpeas in a colander and give them a quick rinse. Add the rinsed chickpeas, frozen spinach, and a half cup of water to the skillet. Stir everything together and then bring it up to a simmer over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- After five minutes, turn the heat down to medium-low and add the coconut milk. Depending on how thick you want the sauce, you can either just heat through or let it simmer until thickened. Leave your chana saag chunky ,or, if preferred, use an immersion blender to purée some of the mixture. Once it’s heated through, adjust the salt to your liking.
- Serve the creamy chickpeas and spinach over a bowl of warm rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 36003 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 360.03kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 61.18g | 20% |
| Protein | 11.2g | 22% |
| Fat | 8.57g | 13% |
| Sodium | 660.27mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.