Description
This Chana Saag recipe is a cozy Indian-inspired curry made with tender chickpeas simmered in a spiced spinach sauce. It’s vegan, gluten-free, nourishing, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chickpeas or canned, drained and rinsed
12 ounces spinach, fresh or frozen
1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
½ cup onion, chopped
2 green chilies or jalapeño, sliced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon garlic, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon red chili powder
2 tablespoons oil
½ cup water, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 tablespoons cashew cream, optional
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and salt. Mix well, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent burning.
Add spinach and cook for 5–6 minutes until fully wilted and dry. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Blend the spinach mixture into a smooth or coarse paste and set aside.
In a deep pan, heat remaining oil. Add tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add chickpeas, red chili powder, and water. Simmer for 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the spinach sauce, adjust consistency with water, and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Add cashew cream if using and cook for 1–2 more minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
Cashew cream can be replaced with coconut cream for a different flavor.
Add lemon juice or dry mango powder for extra tang.
Spinach helps balance bitterness if using other greens.
Frozen spinach works well; thaw and drain excess liquid first.
Adjust water for a thicker or saucier consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1073 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg