Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make vegetarian dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with protein from chickpeas and loaded with nutrient-rich spinach, this curry delivers bold flavors without being too heavy. The aromatic spices combined with the creaminess of coconut milk create a satisfying and warming meal that can be served with rice or flatbreads for a complete and wholesome dinner.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Nutritious and Healthy: Chickpeas and spinach are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making this a well-balanced meal.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of spices gives this curry its rich, aromatic flavor.
Vegan-Friendly: This dish is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or add other vegetables to suit your taste.

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What is Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea and Spinach Curry?

Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea and Spinach Curry is a simple, hearty dish made with chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a fragrant blend of spices simmered in a creamy coconut-based sauce. The curry is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and delivers bold flavors, making it a fantastic option for a healthy vegetarian or vegan meal.

Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry Ingredients

1 can (400g/14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
200g (7 oz) fresh spinach

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 can (400ml/14 oz) coconut milk

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 lime, juice only

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
Rice or flatbreads, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Step 1. Heat the Oil and Cook the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning.

Step 2. Add the Garlic and Spices

Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic, curry powder, ground cumin, and ground turmeric to the pan. If you like heat, add the chili flakes as well. Stir and cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.

Step 3. Add the Chickpeas and Coconut Milk

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to the pan along with the coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4. Add the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the curry and stir until wilted. This will only take 2-3 minutes. Once the spinach is wilted and well combined with the chickpeas and sauce, remove the curry from the heat.

Step 5. Season and Add Lime Juice

Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the curry to add brightness and balance the richness of the coconut milk.

Step 6. Serve

Serve the chickpea and spinach curry hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Pair it with steamed rice or warm flatbreads like naan or roti for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Steamed Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice is a perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich curry sauce.
Naan Bread: Soft and warm naan bread is ideal for scooping up the curry.
Roti: Light and flaky roti pair beautifully with this flavorful dish.

Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber and yogurt raita adds a refreshing contrast to the curry.
Pickles: Serve with Indian-style pickles for an extra burst of flavor.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best in this recipe, but if you only have frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the curry.

Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach at the end and cook just until wilted to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by adding more or fewer chili flakes based on your preference.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes to bulk up the curry.

Balance the Flavor: Adding lime juice at the end helps brighten the dish and balance the richness of the coconut milk.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Spicy Chickpea Curry: Add extra fresh chilies or increase the amount of chili flakes for a spicier version.
Tomato-Based Curry: For a tomato-based version, add a can of chopped tomatoes along with the coconut milk.

Lentil and Chickpea Curry: Add red lentils to the curry for a heartier, protein-packed dish.
Creamy Coconut Curry: Stir in a little cashew cream for an extra creamy and rich curry.
Herb-Infused Curry: Add fresh cilantro, mint, or curry leaves to the curry for extra freshness and aroma.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Refrigeration: Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the curry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to track freshness.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry Leftovers

Stovetop: Reheat the curry in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the curry thickens too much.
Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Add Fresh Garnishes: After reheating, add fresh coriander or a squeeze of lime juice to freshen up the flavors.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g

Fat: 15g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry?

Yes, you can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How long does Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry last in the fridge?

The curry will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry in advance?

Yes, this curry is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.

What can I serve with Jamie Oliver Chickpea and Spinach Curry?

Serve this delicious curry with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also pair it with a cool cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chickpea and Spinach Curry is a healthy, flavorful, and quick meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prepping. The combination of chickpeas, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying dish that is sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Serve it with rice, flatbreads, or on its own for a comforting and nutritious meal.

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