Curried Chickpeas with Spinach and Tomatoes

At our house we try to have a Meatless Monday each week, where we forego typical protein in favor of vegetarian options (though sometimes with our busy schedules, it ends up being a Meatless Tuesday or Wednesday). Aside from the health benefits, a meatless night forces us to be creative in planning our dinners.

But that’s not always easy. The vegetable section of my three-ring recipe binder has mostly side dishes. And the stir-fries that I love to eat will quickly get boring for the rest of the family.

An Internet search a few weeks ago yielded this recipe from Bon Appetit, which was a great success, especially with the soft, warm naan bread I served with it. Even with the curry seasoning, the children loved it. It also kept well in the fridge for a few days.

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Serves 4.

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves
1 red jalapeno, coarsely chopped (I left this out to keep the dish mild)
1 Tbsp. chopped ginger
1 lb. fresh spinach leaves, any tough stems removed
Salt and pepper
1 onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
1 tsp. chili powder (I left this out too)
2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed
1 24-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
Naan bread or basmati rice for serving

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, jalapeno (if using), and ginger; cook until fragrant and softened, about 4 minutes.

Working in batches, add spinach by the handful, tossing to wilt between additions. Cook until fully wilted and bright green, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add curry powder and chili powder (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chickpeas, tomatoes with liquid, and 1/2 cup water. Season with salt and pepper.

Simmer about 10 minutes, breaking tomatoes apart with the side of a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thickened and tomatoes are soft. Fold in spinach puree. Serve with naan bread or rice.

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