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Palak Chole (Spinach Chickpea Curry)

Vegan Masala Recipe

Palak Chole (Spinach Chickpea Curry)

Palak chole combines hearty chickpeas with a vivid spinach masala, balancing earthy greens, tomato and warming spice. It is nourishing, full-flavoured and excellent with rice or roti.

Recipe by How our recipes are created

40 minPrep: 10 minCook: 30 minServes 4North IndianVegan
palak cholechana palakchickpeas curry

From the kitchen

What to expect

Spinach gives this curry freshness as well as body. Cook it just enough to lose its rawness, then blend to the texture you enjoy before letting the chickpeas simmer in the green gravy.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Serve with phulka, naan or plain rice, with sliced onion and lemon on the side.

Useful equipment

Tools that make this recipe easier

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Heavy-bottomed cooking pot

Steady heat helps rice, dal and slow-simmered sauces cook evenly without catching on the base.

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Electric spice grinder

Freshly ground whole spices give masalas a brighter aroma than long-opened ground spices.

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Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    Drain and rinse 1 tin chickpeas and set them aside.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and cook until soft and lightly golden.

  3. 3

    Stir in 4 garlic cloves, minced, 1 inch ginger, grated, and 2 green chillies, finely chopped. Cook for a minute until the raw smell eases.

  4. 4

    Add 1 medium tomato, chopped, and cook until it breaks down and the masala looks glossy and the oil begins to show at the edges.

  5. 5

    Add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring so the spices do not catch.

  6. 6

    Add 200 g spinach, chopped, and cook until wilted and well mixed through the masala.

  7. 7

    Stir in 1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed, and 1 cup water. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the gravy thickens.

  8. 8

    Mash a small handful of the chickpeas against the side of the pan to give the curry more body.

  9. 9

    Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder), and 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves.

  10. 10

    Taste and adjust salt or amchur if needed, then serve hot.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green chillies, finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 200 g spinach, chopped
  • 1 tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves

A few useful notes

Notes

  • The onion and tomato need real cooking time here; a well-cooked masala gives the curry its depth and body.
  • If the gravy looks too thick, loosen it with a little hot water. If it is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer.
  • Chickpeas break down enough to thicken the sauce, but a few whole ones should stay intact for texture.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water so the spinach stays soft and the gravy does not dry out.

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