Savory Spinach & Chickpea Delight (Vegan) - Chole Palak
This Savory Spinach & Chickpea Delight, also known as Chole Palak, is the perfect dish for any busy cook seeking both nutritious and delicious meals. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this vegan curry showcases the rich flavors of spinach and chickpeas complemented by aromatic spices. It's a quick recipe that makes great use of pantry staples, ensuring you won't have to hunt for substitutes. With a creamy texture and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to impress at the dinner table or during a cozy family meal. Plus, it pairs beautifully with warm roti or parathas that I recently discovered from Manjula’s kitchen. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the goodness of healthy greens in every bite!
3
Servings
160
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes
2 (Quartered)
Fresh ginger
1/2 inch (Cut in half)
Fresh green chile
1 (Optional)
Grapeseed oil
3 tablespoons (Or any other light oil like canola)
Asafoetida powder
1/4 teaspoon (Optional)
Whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon
Fresh spinach
3 cups (Chopped)
Canned chickpeas
1 (14 ounce)
Water
1/4-1/2 cup (As needed)
Ground coriander
1 tablespoon
Ground chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Sea salt
1 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Garam masala
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh cilantro
As desired (Chopped fine, optional)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the spinach thoroughly and chop it into fine pieces. Quarter the fresh tomatoes and set them aside.
2
In a blender, combine the quartered tomatoes, halved ginger, and fresh green chili (if using). Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. Set this mixture aside.
3
Heat the grapeseed oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the asafoetida powder (if using) and the whole cumin seeds. Allow the spices to sizzle for a few seconds.
4
Pour in the prepared tomato mixture, being cautious of splattering. Stir well to combine and let it sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mixture is well combined.
5
Add the ground coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and sea salt to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. The mixture will reduce and the color will deepen.
6
Next, add the chopped spinach and about 1/4 cup of water into the pan. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add up to 1/2 cup of water. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
7
Finally, incorporate the canned chickpeas into the mixture. If desired, mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the curry. Add the garam masala, stir well, and allow it to simmer for another few minutes.
8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delightful curry alongside roti or parathas!
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
23
Carbs
7
Protein
6.7
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach & Chickpea Delight?
Also known as Chole Palak, it is a nutritious vegan curry made with spinach, chickpeas, and aromatic spices.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Chole Palak recipe is entirely vegan and plant-based.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 3 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What are the main ingredients for Chole Palak?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach, canned chickpeas, tomatoes, ginger, and various Indian spices.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe recommends grapeseed oil, but any light oil like canola will work.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 3 cups of fresh, chopped spinach.
Do I need to use fresh or canned chickpeas?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chickpeas.
How can I thicken the curry?
You can thicken the curry by mashing some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon during the simmering process.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs beautifully with warm roti or parathas.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat from fresh green chili and chili powder, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of protein.
How much fiber does this dish contain?
There are 6.7 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much water is added to the recipe?
You can add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water depending on your desired consistency.
What is the purpose of mashing the chickpeas?
Mashing some chickpeas helps create a creamier and thicker texture for the curry.
When do I add the garam masala?
Garam masala is added at the end of the cooking process to preserve its aromatic flavor.
Do I need to blend the tomatoes?
Yes, you blend the tomatoes, ginger, and green chili into a smooth puree before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the tomato mixture?
The tomato mixture is sautéed for 5-7 minutes initially, then cooked with spices for another 10 minutes.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as a quick meal using pantry staples like canned chickpeas and fresh spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute if thawed and drained.
What spices are required for the base?
The base uses whole cumin seeds and optional asafoetida powder.
What ground spices are used?
The recipe uses ground coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala.
How should I prepare the ginger?
The ginger should be cut in half and blended with the tomatoes and chili.
Is cilantro necessary for this recipe?
Fresh cilantro is an optional garnish for added flavor and color.
What is the role of turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric provides a warm flavor and contributes to the vibrant color of the curry.
Can I substitute the grapeseed oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you omit the asafoetida (which sometimes contains wheat) or use a gluten-free brand, the recipe is gluten-free.
What is the recommended salt amount?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of sea salt, or you can adjust it to your taste.