Chef Priya
Priya's Kitchen Notes

Easy recipes, bold spices, and stories from my family kitchen.

Starter Guide To Indian Flavor

Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Curry

Chana Palak Curry

(47 reviews)
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This curry never fails to bring warmth to the table. It's simple yet truly satisfying, and the combination of chickpeas and spinach is both nutritious and delicious. Perfect with a squeeze of lemon to brighten each bite.

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Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Prep time:15 mins
Cook time:30 mins
Total time:45 mins

Protein

12g

Carbs

45g

Fat

10g

Calories

320 kcal

Servings:
4
VeganGluten Free

Ingredients

canned chickpeas2 15-ounce cans
(drained and rinsed)
fresh spinach6 cups
(roughly chopped)
yellow onion1 medium
(finely chopped)
tomato2 medium
(chopped)
garlic4 cloves
(minced)
fresh ginger1 tbsp
(grated)
green chili1
(optional, finely chopped)
coconut oil2 tbsp
saltto taste
lemon juice1 tbsp
(freshly squeezed)
fresh cilantrofor garnish
(chopped)

Spices

cumin seeds1 tsp
ground cumin1 tsp
ground coriander1 tsp
turmeric powder0.50 tsp
garam masala1 tsp
red chili powder0.50 tsp
(adjust to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Aromatic Base

  1. In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
  3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for another minute until aromatic.

Create the Curry

  1. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil begins to release from the mixture, about 5 minutes.
  2. Mix in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine and let the spices bloom for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the drained chickpeas and toss them well in the spice mixture.
Chef's tip: If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash of water to help the spices coat the chickpeas evenly.

Finish with Spinach and Garnish

  1. Add the chopped spinach in batches, stirring to wilt each handful before adding more.
  2. Once all the spinach is incorporated and wilted, cover and let the curry simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice. Adjust salt to taste.
  4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan.
Chef's tip: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the curry before adding the spinach.

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Behind the Recipe

Chef Priya in her kitchen

Hi! I'm Priya. I grew up in Delhi in a tiny kitchen filled with noise, spices, and stories. I learned to cook the way most of us do—by watching, tasting, and eventually doing. My mother never measured anything, but somehow every dish was perfect.

After I moved to the U.S., I found myself cooking the same dishes to feel close to home. Friends would ask for recipes, and I realized how unfamiliar Indian cooking still felt to many people here. That's what led me to start sharing—not just the food, but the how and why behind each step.

These recipes are rooted in tradition but shaped by life abroad. I try to keep things practical without losing what makes them special. If you've ever wanted to bring more Indian flavor into your kitchen, I hope this is a good place to start.