Tamarind Spiced Chickpeas and Spinach

Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Tamarind Spiced Chickpeas and Spinach recipe, a perfect blend of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender chickpeas are simmered in a tangy tamarind sauce infused with fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric, creating a rich, layered taste. Fresh spinach is folded in for a hearty, nutrient-packed finish, while a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of cilantro elevate the dish with bright, zesty notes. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegan, gluten-free recipe makes a versatile meal—serve it over fluffy rice, with warm flatbread, or enjoy it on its own. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or plant-based meal prep, this dish is a true celebration of flavor and simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium, finely diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon, or to taste salt
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the coconut oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion and saute for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and red chili flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 5

Mix in the tamarind paste, water, and sugar. Stir until the tamarind paste is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.

Step 6

Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the tamarind sauce. Let them cook for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Gradually add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted before adding the next batch. This should take about 3–4 minutes.

Step 8

Season the dish with salt to taste and stir in the lemon juice for brightness.

Step 9

Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm with rice, flatbread, or as a standalone dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1061.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1195.7

Total Fat 40.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3134.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 171.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.4g	0%
Total Sugars 51.2g
Protein 45.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 460.0mg	0%
Iron 21.2mg	0%
Potassium 2003.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.8%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 55.5%