Chickpea Masala with Coconut + Spinach

Easy, creamy, vegan chickpea masala with coconut + spinach. A simple, no fuss weeknight meal. Serves 3-4. Gluten free.Our first Valentine’s Day together, Matt came home, threw a box of chocolate covered ginger candies at me and said that it was the first and last thing I can ever expect from him on Valentine’s Day. Yesterday, over morning coffee, he asked me what I was thinking about and I said I was thinking about what to write for my next blog post, and that I wanted to post something original for Valentine’s Day. He looked and me and said – ‘isn’t that in March?’

Something original, I got one of those alright. A man who, for as long as I’ve known him, has never done anything like anybody else. A man who does is own thing, and doesn’t care what people think. A man who wears crocs with socks and somehow pulls it off (believe it or not). A man who can say the sweetest thing one minute, and be asking me to pull his finger the next. Who snacks on baguette in the shower, who patiently waits to eat while I try to capture our meal with my phone, who is my in house (sometimes too honest) food critic and my biggest cheerleader. Thank you for always believing in me.

 I love our kitchen dance parties, our mountain adventures and our sofa movie nights. I love the questions you force me to answer, the things in life you cause  me to question and the strength you’ve help me realize I’ve always had. I love the way you dream, of your life and of ours together, and I can’t wait for a lifetime of adventures with you.

 I’ll keep you fed, you keep me wild.

 So in a pinterestagram world of chocoloate and cookies, today I give you – curry. Comfort. Classic. Cozy. It turns up the heat, keeps the belly full, and with just enough chickpeas that you may need someone to pull your finger, I’m going all out and calling it romantic. A real meal, for your real everyday kinda love. Happy Day to you all!


CHICKPEA MASALA WITH COCONUT + SPINACH

This is a typical weeknight meal for us. Quick, flavorful and hearty. 

Serves 2-4.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 knob fresh ginger, grated (about a tablespoon)
1 small red chili (use all or as little as you like for desired heat)
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1-2 teaspoons garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 425ml/400g can diced tomatoes
425ml full fat coconut milk
3 cups fresh spinach

1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
Fresh coriander, chopped

Basmati Rice, to serve

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat, add onions and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add in the garam masala and a good pinch of salt and sauté for a few more minutes to really build a good base flavor. Add in garlic, grated ginger and pepper and sautée for a minute or two.

Add in the chickpeas and coat in oil. Add the tomatoes and coconut milk, and bring everything to a boil. Reduce to a a simmer and cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Add the spinach just before serving so it keeps it color, and finally add lemon juice.

Season as needed, top with fresh coriander


Let me in on your kitchen creations – tag your photos #happyheartedkitchen and share the love!

10 Comments

  • Reply
    shelley ludman
    February 15, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    This post makes my heart smile :) xx

  • Reply
    Melissa @ Nourish By Melissa
    February 15, 2014 at 7:19 pm

    This looks amazing :) I’ve never tried using chickpeas in curry. I normally use lentils but this sounds great!

    • Reply
      Jodi Kay
      February 16, 2014 at 8:35 am

      Thanks Melissa! Red lentils would be really nice here too! x

  • Reply
    Cheri Savory Spoon
    February 15, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    Nice post, great recipe!

  • Reply
    Matthew @ Lasik for Your Surgeon
    February 16, 2014 at 7:16 pm

    Wow, if Popeye could see this!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    February 19, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Pulls at the heart strings as much if not way more than a finger! Dad.

  • Reply
    Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch)
    February 19, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Great post. I love curries but would really like to try that cucumber raita.

  • Reply
    Adria Sambor
    February 20, 2014 at 12:51 am

    This is still simmering on the stove while I write this, yet I can’t stop getting up to sneak tastes of the curry. So phenomenally flavorful and right up my alley. Thanks so much for posting!!

  • Reply
    Jodi Kay
    February 20, 2014 at 7:37 am

    Oh thank you, Adria! I’m so happy this curry made it to your kitchen! Hope you enjoyed the rest of it ;) J x

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