Quick Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe [vegan, easy]

This Chicken Spinach Curry recipe combines tender plant-based chicken with vibrant spinach in a symphony of flavors. This aromatic dish boasts a rich tomato-based sauce infused with traditional Indian spices, promising a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests with its exotic allure, this vegan curry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Where does Chicken Spinach Curry come from?

Chicken Spinach Curry is a popular dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the diverse culinary traditions of regions such as North India and Punjab.

It reflects the rich heritage of Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant spices, aromatic flavors, and the abundant use of vegetables and meats in various curry preparations.

This dish showcases the harmonious combination of tender chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and a fragrant blend of spices, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal enjoyed by many around the world.

Fresh vs frozen spinach

Both fresh and frozen spinach have their advantages and can be used depending on personal preference and the recipe. Here’s a comparison:

Fresh spinach typically has a vibrant flavor and tender texture, especially when it’s young or baby spinach. It’s often preferred for salads and recipes where the spinach is served raw. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, it can lose some of its nutritional value over time, especially if it’s stored for too long or not handled properly.

Fresh spinach can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to stir-fries and sautés. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds color, flavor, and nutrients to many recipes.

Frozen spinach on the other hand is pre-washed, chopped, and blanched before freezing, making it convenient to use straight from the freezer. It’s a time-saving option for busy cooks and can be stored for longer periods. It can retain most of its nutrients since it’s typically frozen shortly after harvest, preserving its freshness. This makes it a nutritious option for adding greens to cooked dishes like soups, casseroles, and sauces.

In conclusion, both fresh and frozen spinach have their merits, and the choice between them depends on factors such as taste preference, convenience, and the specific needs of the recipe. Fresh spinach may be preferable for salads and raw dishes, while frozen spinach offers convenience and versatility for cooked dishes.

What ingredients go into this Chicken Spinach Curry

This Chicken Spinach Curry is a flavorful dish that requires a number of ingredients to be prepared.

The recipe calls for 10 ounces of plant-based chicken that should be chopped prior to adding to the curry.

You will also need 6 ounces of fresh spinach, 3 cloves of garlic that should be chopped, and 1 medium onion that needs to be chopped as well. Additionally, it requires 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which should be divided for use. You will also need 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 2 tablespoons of peeled and chopped ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, all of which should be added to the curry to create the desired flavor.

To make the curry more rich and creamy, add 2 teaspoons of tomato paste and 1/4 cup of water. Finally, mix in 2 tablespoons of coconut yogurt and salt to taste.

How to make Chicken Spinach Curry

To prepare the Chicken Spinach Curry, start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add the spices, including garam masala, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and stir well.

After stirring, add the tomato paste and stir well. Pour in the water, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.

Give the spinach to tit and cook on medium heat for a few minutes until it wilts. Remove all from the pan and transfer to the bowl of a blender.

Next, add the chopped plant-based chicken to the pan and cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown.

In the meantime, process the spinach mixture in the blender. Then give it to the chicken in the pan and mix in the yogurt, and stir well.

What to serve with Chicken Spinach Curry

Chicken Spinach Curry pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside:

• Serve the Chicken Spinach Curry with steamed white rice, basmati rice, or brown rice. The fluffy texture of rice helps balance the rich and flavorful curry sauce.
• Warm up some naan bread or garlic naan to serve alongside the curry. The soft and pillowy texture of naan is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Alternatively, serve the curry with roti or chapati, traditional Indian flatbreads. These thin and slightly chewy breads are great for scooping up the curry.
• Crispy and thin pappadums are a popular accompaniment to Indian curries. Serve them as a crunchy side dish or appetizer.

• Prepare a cooling cucumber raita to serve alongside the spicy curry. Made with yogurt, cucumbers, mint, and spices, raita helps balance the heat of the curry and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Offer a selection of Indian pickles and chutneys such as mango chutney, lime pickle, or mixed pickle. These add tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors to complement the curry.
• Serve a simple side salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh and crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.
• Roast a medley of vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables pair well with the curry.

With these side dishes, you can create a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the flavors of the Chicken Spinach Curry while providing a variety of textures and tastes.

How to use leftovers of Chicken Spinach Curry

Leftover Chicken Spinach Curry can be repurposed in several delicious ways:

1. Use the leftover curry as a filling for wraps or burritos. Simply warm up some tortillas, spoon in the curry along with some cooked rice or quinoa, and add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded cheese or vegan cheese.
2. Transform the leftover curry into a flavorful fried rice dish. Heat some oil in a skillet, add cooked rice, and stir in the leftover curry along with any additional vegetables you have on hand such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Cook until heated through and serve as a satisfying meal or side dish.
3. Mix the leftover curry with cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta dish. You can add some extra vegetables or protein like chickpeas or tofu to bulk it up if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and a sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
4. Turn the leftover curry into a comforting soup by adding some vegetable or chicken broth to thin it out. You can also add some extra vegetables or cooked grains like rice or quinoa to make it heartier. Simmer until heated through and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream on top.
5. Use the leftover curry as a pizza topping for a unique and flavorful twist. Spread some pizza dough with a thin layer of curry, sprinkle with cheese or vegan cheese, and add your favorite toppings like sliced onions, bell peppers, and cooked chicken or tofu. Bake until the crust is golden and crispy, and enjoy a delicious homemade curry pizza.

With these creative ideas, you can enjoy your leftover Chicken Spinach Curry in new and exciting ways, reducing food waste while adding variety to your meals.

Other Curry Recipes to try

• Sweet Potato Curry
• Lentil Chickpea Yellow Curry
• Easy Zucchini Curry Recipe with Chickpeas
• Lentil Curry
• Eggplant Curry

 

If you love this easy Chickpea Spinach Curry, share your comments below, on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.