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Love is in my Tummy

Plant-based flavor

June 25, 2018 By Tina Dawson 35 Comments

VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners.

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

I did not have the most traditional of upbringings – the paternal side of my family struggled with their Indo-Burmese identity after migrating from Burma to India after the war, meaning that most of the food we ate were a fusion of the two cultures. My mother learnt to cook only after she married, and even then largely hustled her own recipes based on produce that she could find and spices that were closest to her reach (she’s where I get my quirkiness from). Paraphrasing her most famous words: ‘….these were the ingredients that stared back at me when I went looking’. Needless to say, she is quite literally incapable of making the same thing twice. She creates and moves on.

Because most of the food was largely fashioned in a melting pot of intermingling cultures and hustled smarts, no one thought it worth their time to write anything down. Translate: I have no recipes that were handed down to me.

But even in our very unconventional family, Sundays were traditionally special. The Indian workforce is employed for 5 1/2 days every week, which meant Sundays were the only day that the four of us sat down together as a family to eat. Every other day, our meal times were in a constant state of flux based on each person’s school/work schedule, but on Sundays, we were all home and truly enjoyed the time we had together.

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

Which automatically meant that the best meals of the week were reserved for the Sunday lunch/dinner. In a family where everyone cooked, it was truly a day of togetherness, as we all pitched in to cook together in a kitchen that was too small for four people to stand in, and sat down to dine as one amidst the chaos that ensues from ‘too many cooks’. Although special, it wasn’t necessarily a very elegant affair. We just sat around on the couch, and all the dishes were piled unceremoniously on the coffee table in the greasy pans they were cooked in. No, it wasn’t a very pretty sight, but all I remember was the way it felt, and nothing could ever be more perfect that those crude meals I ate with the people I loved the most in this world.

Now, almost 5 years later in a home of my own several thousand miles away, I am desperately trying to reinstate Sunday night dinners here. There is a certain magic that is evoked when people gather around a table of food, an alchemy that electrifies the very air around you, seasons the food and makes everything it touches a little more than it probably is.

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

And while I am tempted to add a little elegance to our dinner table, I know in the heart of my heart that I’ll never be fancy enough to serve each food in it’s own special dish at a family dinner for two. If I have a sink full of dirty dishes to look forward to at the end of the night, I might loose interest in Sunday dinners myself. Thankfully, Lagostina makes cookware that are not just functional, but beautiful enough to go straight from the stove to the table and still uphold the overall elegance of the meal.

Featured here are some pieces from the Lagostina Opera Stainless Steel Collection and it’s undoubtedly the most beautiful of all the cookware sets I’ve owned. The aluminium core makes for better heat distribution while the stunning stainless steel exterior adds class and a very safe cooking medium. Handles (and pot lid holds) that don’t heat up is always a welcome addition because when you’re rushing to move pans and forget to wear your mitts, ouch!

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

I’ve been using these pans in my kitchen for a while now, but they show no signs of use so far, and in my kitchen, the cookware get abused to no end. They’re stacked, tossed, dragged, dropped (butter fingers!) and scorched. Yet, at the end of the night, these get washed clean with almost minimal scrubbing and return to their original sheen as though magically fixed by a fairy godmother. I am not a very vain person, but I am getting a kick out of fixing my hair on the mirror-finish lids as I cook – I assume it’s what gorgeous Italian cooks do in Italy where this cookware is made, and when in Rome, you must be Roman, no?

And if you’re wondering, yes, the pans are all spill-proof – there’s a lip running around the pan that makes pouring mess-free – this is one of the features I specifically look for when I buy cookware. Sloshing curry all over doesn’t really make for a fun post-dinner activity.This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

Speaking of curry, here’s a recipe that makes an appearance on many a Sunday dinner at my home – Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry. Not only is there minimal chopping/prep, the absolutely decadent curry pairs well with both flatbreads as well as rice/pilaf, making it quite a versatile recipe to keep in your Indian food arsenal. And if you prefer it, substitute the canned coconut milk with cream instead for a dairy-rich version.

Let’s bring back the enchantment of Sunday dinners in our homes – it matters not how beautifully you set the table or how delicious the food is, as long as the hearts that gather around feel the love you share, everything will still be absolutely magical – and is that not the whole point?

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

[GIVEAWAY] I’d love for you to try this beautiful piece of cookware! Enter for a chance to win a Lagostina Opera Stainless Steel Casserole with Lid(above):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#AD This post was sponsored by Lagostina USA but all opinions expressed are my own. I only recommend products that I truly love and thank you for supporting brands that support Love is in my tummy.

When you make this delicious VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here!

VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry

Created by Tina Dawson on June 20, 2018

This VEGAN Spinach Chickpea Coconut Curry is a flavorful, nutritious, weeknight staple and adds a special decadence to your Sunday dinners. #vegan #foodstyling #chickpea #coconutmilk #spinach #plantbased #foodphotography #LagostinaUSA #LagostinaSundayDinner

  • Prep Time:15m
  • Cook Time:30m
  • Total Time:45m
  • Serves: 4

Ingredients

For cooking chickpeas

  • 1 c chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 1 1/2 c water

For the curry

  • 170 g (1/2 large) red onion, chopped
  • 3 g (3nos.) green chillies, slit down the center
  • 12 g (4 cloves) of garlic
  • 15 g (2") ginger
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1/2 stick cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. fennel
  • 1/4 tsp. cumin
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp. ground red chillies (or paprika)
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cumin
  • 2 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp. Punjabi Chole masala (find it in Indian stores)
  • 100 g (2c packed) spinach, shredded
  • 1 1/4 c water
  • 1 c canned coconut milk
  • Salt, to taste

For garnishing

  • 1 tsp. dried fenugreek leaves

Instructions

Cook the chickpeas

  1. Drain and wash the soaked chickpeas. Pressure cook the chickpeas in water until soft. Set aside.

Make the curry

  1. Grind the onion, green chillies, garlic and ginger into a fine paste, adding 2 tsp water, if necessary.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet. Once the oil is warm, add the whole spices (cloves, cinnamon, fennel, cumin, cardamom and bay leaves)
  3. Once fragrant, add the ground onion paste and saute until the raw smell is gone. Add the ground spices (turmeric, red chillies, cumin and chole masala) and continue cooking until fragrant. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Add the tomato paste, water, canned coconut milk, cooked chickpeas and chopped spinach. Stir well, cover and cook for about 10 minutes on low heat until absolutely fragrant.
  5. Remove from heat, and sprinkle the dried fenugreek leaves. It helps if you toast it slightly and crush it between your fingers before adding it to the curry.
  6. Serve the curry hot with a side of rice pulao (pilaf) or flatbreads of choice. Keep well refrigerated for upto a week.
  • Print

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Filed Under: All Recipes, Cuisines, Gluten-free, Indian, Lunch/Dinner, Sauces and curry, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: canned coconut milk, chickpea, curry, fenugreek, spinach

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vasugi Ganesh Moorthy says

    June 18, 2019 at 12:21 pm

    I loved this recipe. It has become my habit to cook this every time I buy spinach. Also, when I think about impressing guests who come home for dinner.?

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 18, 2019 at 6:51 pm

      Thank you so much Vasugi, for coming back to let me know. I am so glad you like it!

      Reply
  2. Kankana saha says

    July 6, 2018 at 4:13 am

    A curious recipe with an outstanding tale of fusion and memories. I love to read memoirs. Who could think of a comfortable marriage between coconut milk and chhola masala. Would definitely give it a try.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      July 6, 2018 at 11:01 pm

      Thank you Kankana! I am so glad you enjoyed reading, and hope you enjoy the recipe as well!

      Reply
  3. Erin M says

    July 2, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    I love having eggplant stacks on Sundays.

    Reply
  4. Samantha says

    July 2, 2018 at 9:03 am

    I love Breakfast for dinner on Sundays! I would love to try this vegan spinach chickpea coconut curry. It looks … so delicious!! Thanks for the recipe I think I will try and make this this Sunday!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      July 2, 2018 at 9:26 am

      I’m so glad, Samantha! I hope you like it!

      Reply
  5. Kimmy Ripley says

    July 2, 2018 at 7:16 am

    My favorite Sunday dinner to whip up is my Italian Drunken Noodle. This pot would be perfect for it!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      July 2, 2018 at 9:25 am

      OMG that sounds incredible!!

      Reply
  6. Annette says

    July 2, 2018 at 2:04 am

    I like to make soups during the weekend to eat throughout the week. My favorite Sunday meal is Tuscan Vegetable Soup with a salad.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      July 2, 2018 at 9:25 am

      I think I should try doing that sometime. Sounds perfectly delicious and healthy and easy all at once!

      Reply
  7. Kasey Clark says

    June 27, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    FoR my Sunday meal, I like to make something hearty that will yield leftovers for later in the week. Soups and curries are perfect for this!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 27, 2018 at 4:57 pm

      I completely agree! I do the same too! Meatless monday – more like leftover monday! 😀

      Reply
  8. Samantha says

    June 26, 2018 at 9:13 pm

    Love a good curry in the winter. In the summer however , we usually have a light meal like a big salad.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 27, 2018 at 9:04 am

      That does make sense, but come winter, keep this curry in mind! <3

      Reply
  9. Elsie says

    June 26, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Delicious! I love this recipe! And totally agree with you about the Sunday lunch! I miss those days with the whole family around the table.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 26, 2018 at 2:07 pm

      Life was simpler than it is now, and one can’t help but miss the simple pleasures that life can bring.

      Reply
  10. Debjani says

    June 25, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Very innovative.. Sounds delish..will definately try this over the weekend:-)

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 26, 2018 at 2:08 pm

      I hope you like it! We absolutely love it here!

      Reply
  11. Catherine Brown says

    June 25, 2018 at 5:22 pm

    Oh my, I do LOVE chickpea coconut curry! I’ve never tried it with spinach though… how perfect!!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 6:43 pm

      It’s not a very traditional combination, but I freaking love the nutritional boost that spinach brings to this dish.

      Reply
  12. Dana says

    June 25, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    This is so gorgeous and perfect and I just want to gobble it all up! I certainly won’t be waiting until the cool weather for this one.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      That’s why you’re so awesome, Dana! <3 Enjoy this curry!

      Reply
  13. Lauren Vavala @ deliciouslittlebites says

    June 25, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    This looks AMAZING! I’ll eat just about any curry, but I especially love the use of chickpeas in this recipe!!!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Makes it both delicious as well as nutritious!

      Reply
  14. Janette | Culinary Ginger says

    June 25, 2018 at 3:56 pm

    I’m long overdue for making a good curry and I will be making this. Hopefully in my new pan, entering now 🙂

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 5:15 pm

      Oooo Good luck Janette, I hope you win! <3

      Reply
  15. Shashi at SavorySpin says

    June 25, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    While my daughter and I have made it a point to have dinner together, it’s never been an elegant affair – it’s kinda like that with god friends too – no matter how bedlamed the situation maybe, I couldn’t agree more with ya – it is the feelings that are cherished! With that said tho, I can appreciate how gorgeous these Lagostina Opera Stainless Steel pan is! Awesome giveaway, Tina! Delicious sounding curry too!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      That’s why I love you girls SO MUCH! It’s the feeling, more than anything else that we should be chasing!

      Reply
  16. Denisse | Le Petit Eats says

    June 25, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    I’m always looking for a new vegan curry to add to our weeknight dinner routine- this looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      Oh Denisse, you’re gonna LOVE this one, I know!

      Reply
  17. Ginny McMeans says

    June 25, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    That is absolutely the kind of curry that I love. Rich in color with all of the flavors packed in. Those pans are really gorgeous too. Looks like the perfect size.

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      They are absolute perfection! I am so in love with how functional, yet gorgeous it is!

      Reply
  18. Ria Panneer says

    June 25, 2018 at 12:22 pm

    Hi Tina Aunty!
    This looks yummy! My family loves chickpeas so I will try this soon with my mom and send you a photo.
    Ria 🙂

    Reply
    • Tina Dawson says

      June 25, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      OMG Ria darling! It was so lovely to meet you today! Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you love this curry as much as we do!!!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Tina - the human behind all the content you see on this blog. Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I create flavorful and unique plant-based recipes.

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