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Home » Healthy Recipes

Chickpeas and Spinach Curry (with Trader Joe's Greek Chickpeas)

Published: Sep 17, 2024 · Modified: Aug 29, 2025 by Dr. Nena Stefanovic · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Curry Spinach Chickpeas made with Trader Joe's Greek chickpeas, fresh spinach, basil, and a touch of curry powder. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal!

Greek chickpeas and spinach curry served in a bowl
Nena's Wellness Corner

Why You'll Love this Chickpeas and Spinach Curry

  • Balanced meal: Healthy eating is about finding the right balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This simple recipe combines all the essentials: olive oil for healthy fats, chickpeas for protein and carbs, and nutrient-rich veggies like spinach, onion, and celery. A blend of spices elevates the flavor, making it both wholesome and delicious. 
  • Using precooked chickpeas: Additionally, this recipe features pre-cooked chickpeas from Trader Joe's, enhanced with parsley and cumin, adding a delicious flavor boost.
  • Quick meal: The best part? It's quick to make and perfect for busy nights when you're short on time but still want to enjoy something nutritious and delicious.
Greek Chickpes from Trader Joe's

Health Benefits of Chickpeas

  • If you decide to have meatless nights (which I highly recommend), opting for chickpeas as a meat substitute is an excellent choice.
  • Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, making them perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Protein is important for building muscles, supporting the immune system, and keeping your body healthy.
  • Chickpeas are full of fiber, which helps with digestion and prevents constipation.

Health Benefits of Spinach

  • Spinach is full of vitamins like A, C, and K, along with important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients help keep your eyes healthy and make your bones strong.

What You'll Need for this Curry Spinach Chickpeas Recipe

Ingredients


  • ½ cup onion, chopped - you can use white or red onion
  • ½ cup chopped celery stalks
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup jar tomato sauce - any tomato sauce will work here
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 can (9.88 oz) Trader Joe's Greek Chickpeas with Parsley and Cumin - you can also use other canned or dried chickpeas (just be sure to cook them first!), but this recipe tastes amazing with this specific brand.
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Handful of chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil - you can also substitute with avocado oil.

Steps


  1. In a medium-sized pan, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the curry powder, salt, and pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Drain the can of Greek Chickpeas and add them to the pan. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Let the mixture cook until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined, about 3 minutes.
  • Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps
  • Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps
  • Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps

Quick Tip!

For a creamier texture, just mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon while it's cooking. This will make the curry thicker without needing extra ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until soft before adding to the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream for a vegan version.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve it with rice, quinoa, naan, or flatbread to make a complete meal.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all ingredients (like the tomato sauce) are labeled gluten-free.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, this Curry Spinach Chickpeas recipe is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy days.

With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and veggies, it's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Whether you're looking for a meatless option or simply want to enjoy a wholesome dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and let me know how you liked it!

Want more from my vegetable collection? Give my popular Oven Roasted Potatoes, Carrots and Zucchini a try-you're going to love it!

I'd love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you try-don't be shy, share your thoughts in the comments below!

More Protein-Rich Recipes You'll Love

  • Easy Vegetable Soup with Barley (or Farro)
  • Air Fryer Maple Salmon Fillets: Quick & Healthy Recipe
  • Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading
  • Easy Gluten Free Meat and Rice Stuffed Peppers
  • Turkey Smash Burger Tacos (Easy & Quick)
  • Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta 
  • One-pan Creamy Chicken with Spinach (Without Heavy Cream)

Get In Touch!

Are you a fan of healthy and delicious recipes like this one? Stay tuned for more culinary inspiration, nutrition tips, and wellness guides here. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow me on social media to never miss an update! Remember to share your chickpeas-making adventures with me in the comments below.

Curious how to make this recipe?

Check out my YouTube channel for the video and step-by-step guide!

nena's youtube channel
Curry Chickpeas with Spinach
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Chickpeas and Spinach Curry

Dr. Nena Stefanovic
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Curry Spinach Chickpeas made with Trader Joe's Greek chickpeas, fresh spinach, basil, and a touch of curry powder. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Servings: 3 people
Calories: 326kcal
Pin Recipe

Video

Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil you can also substitute with avocado oil
  • ½ cup onion chopped, you can use white or red onion
  • ½ cup celery stalks chopped
  • 1 handful basil leaves fresh
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup tomato sauce any tomato sauce will work here
  • ½ cup water
  • 9.88 oz canned chickpeas 9.88 oz Trader Joe's Greek Chickpeas with Parsley and Cumin - you can also use other canned or dried chickpeas (just be sure to cook them first!), but this recipe tastes amazing with this specific brand
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 handful spinach chopped

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized pan, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until they soften, about 5 minutes.
    Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps
  • Stir in the curry powder, salt, and pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the tomato sauce and water. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Drain the can of Greek Chickpeas and add them to the pan. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Let the mixture cook until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined, about 3 minutes.
    Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps
  • Serve it with rice, quinoa, naan, or flatbread to make a complete meal.
    Greek-chickpeas-cooking-steps

Notes

  • Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
  • Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.
  • If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until soft before adding to the recipe.
  • Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based cream for a vegan version.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure all ingredients (like the tomato sauce) are labeled gluten-free.
  • Quick tip: For a creamier texture, just mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon while it's cooking. This will make the curry thicker without needing extra ingredients.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 489mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1826IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @nenaswellnesscorner or tag #nenaswellnesscorner!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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Dr. Nena Stefanovic Portrait

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I’m Dr. Nena Stefanovic (pronounced Nay-na)—nutrition coach, PhD biochemist, and mom of three. I help busy families fuel their lives with clean, Mediterranean- and Balkan-inspired meals that are simple, nourishing, and kid-approved. My focus is anti-inflammatory nutrition to support energy, growth, and strong immunity, especially for young athletes. My philosophy: enjoy food, eat mindfully, and keep it simple.

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