10-Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry Recipe

Introducing the quickest curry you’ll ever make: 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry. This tasty, one-pot meal can be prepared in under 10 minutes and costs roughly £1 per portion — simple, economical and satisfying.

chickpea curry topped with fresh lime wedges and freshly chopped coriander in large pan.

Recipe Difficulty – Easy

Table of Contents

  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to make
  • Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Recipe Card

Why this recipe works

One-pot cooking is ideal for busy days: minimal prep, intense flavour and very little washing up. This chickpea and spinach curry is especially good when you want something comforting without much effort. Despite the short cooking time, the spices, tomato puree and coconut milk combine to create a rich, satisfying sauce. After a couple of tries you can confidently make this in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients to make 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Ingredients to make chickpea curry laid on white marble background.
  • Garlic – adds warmth and depth.
  • Onion – white or red, diced.
  • Paprika – gives a smoky, rounded flavour.
  • Cayenne pepper – for gentle heat; reduce if you prefer mild.
  • Ground coriander – fresh, citrusy notes.
  • Chilli flakes – a light kick of heat.
  • Tomato puree – builds body and tang.
  • Chickpeas – drained; a great plant-based protein.
  • Vegetable stock – adds savoury depth.
  • Coconut milk – makes the sauce creamy and slightly nutty.
  • Ground almonds – thicken the sauce; omit for nut-free or runnier texture.
  • Spinach – adds colour and nutrients; kale is a fine substitute.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Substitutions

  • Onion – swap white for red onion if preferred.
  • Chickpeas – replace with cannellini or other white beans.
  • Spinach – kale or spring greens work well.
  • Spices – omit any you don’t have; you can also use a curry powder blend.
  • Ground almonds – leave out for nut-free or add a little extra stock to adjust the texture.

Variations

  • Kid-friendly – reduce cayenne and chilli flakes for a milder dish. Serve with rice or naan.
  • Deluxe – finish with lime wedges and fresh coriander, and serve with brown rice, quinoa or gluten-free naan for a more impressive plate.
  • Spicy – increase the cayenne and chilli flakes or add fresh chopped chillis on top.

How to make 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry

onions being fried in large frying pan with wooden spoon. Pan is on white marble background.

Step 1: Dice the onion and crush the garlic. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook until the onion softens, about a few minutes.

Onions being fried with spices and tomato puree on white marble background.

Step 2: Add paprika, cayenne, ground coriander, chilli flakes and tomato puree. Stir to combine and bloom the spices for a minute.

overhead shot of chickpea curry with wooden spoon in large frying pan. Pan is on white marble background.

Step 3: Stir in the drained chickpeas, coconut milk, vegetable stock (or dissolved stock cube), and ground almonds. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook on medium-high for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

overhead shot of chickpea curry with wooden spoon in large frying pan. Pan is on white marble background.

Step 4: Remove from the heat and fold in the spinach until it wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot.

Leftovers

This curry is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw completely before reheating gently until piping hot.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this curry nut free?

Yes. Omit the ground almonds for a looser sauce. You can reduce stock if you prefer a thicker texture.

Can you freeze this chickpea curry?

Yes. Cool, freeze in airtight containers and reheat from fully defrosted on low until steaming hot.

Could I use another type of bean if I don’t have chickpeas?

Absolutely. Cannellini or other white beans substitute well.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild by default. Adjust cayenne and chilli flakes to suit your taste.

chickpea curry in beige bowl with brown rice and fresh lime wedge.

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chickpea curry topped with fresh lime wedges and freshly chopped coriander in large pan.
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4.64 from 149 votes

10 Minute Chickpea & Spinach Curry

By: James Wythe
This simple chickpea and spinach curry is made in one pot in under 10 minutes and costs about £1 per portion.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Knife
  • Chopping board

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 onion, roughly diced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • Pinch of chilli flakes
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained
  • 1 veg stock cube/pot
  • 200 ml water
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 60 g ground almonds
  • 200 g spinach
Metric – US Customary

Instructions

  • Dice the onion and crush the garlic. Sauté in oil over medium heat until the onion softens.
  • Add the spices and tomato puree, then stir to combine.
  • Add the drained chickpeas, coconut milk, vegetable stock (dissolved in water) and ground almonds. Cook on medium-high for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Remove from the heat and stir through the spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

Step-by-step photos: Refer to the images above for guidance.

Substitutions & Variations: See the substitutions and variations section earlier in this article.

To store: Keep in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

To freeze: Cool, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw fully before reheating on low.

Tips: Ground almonds thicken the sauce but can be omitted. Increase spices for a hotter curry. Simmer longer if time allows for deeper flavour.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 23 g
|
Protein: 15 g
|
Fat: 33 g
|
Fiber: 12 g
|
Sugar: 5 g


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