Quick Chana Masala with Spinach
A Washington-in-March take on chana masala using in-season onions, garlic, spinach, and tomatoes from your list. Itβs a stovetop dinner for 2 with a bright lemon finish and enough sauce for rice or flatbread.
Details
Ingredients
- Sweet Onion 1 medium, diced $1.43
- Organic Garlic, 3 CT 3 cloves, minced $2.89
- Organic Ginger Puree, 2.8 OZ 1 tbsp $3.99
- Organic Roma Tomatoes, 16 OZ 2 medium tomatoes, diced, or about 1 1/2 cups $2.99
- Organic Baby Spinach, 5 OZ 2 big handfuls $4.49
- Lemon 1/2 $0.99
- Organic Cilantro 2 tbsp chopped $1.79
- Chickpeas 2 cans, drained and rinsed pantry
- Neutral oil 1 1/2 tbsp pantry
- Ground cumin 1 1/2 tsp pantry
- Ground coriander 1 1/2 tsp pantry
- Turmeric 1/2 tsp pantry
- Garam masala 1 1/2 tsp pantry
- Chili flakes or cayenne to taste pantry
- Salt to taste pantry
Instructions
- Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 diced Sweet Onion and cook 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in 3 minced cloves Organic Garlic and 1 tablespoon Organic Ginger Puree; cook 1 minute.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon of the garam masala, and chili flakes or cayenne to taste. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the diced Organic Roma Tomatoes with a pinch of salt. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring and crushing the tomatoes as they break down, until the mixture becomes saucy.
- Add 2 cans drained chickpeas and 3/4 cup water. Simmer 10 minutes, lightly mashing some chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce.
- Fold in 2 big handfuls Organic Baby Spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garam masala and a squeeze from 1/2 Lemon. Taste and adjust salt and heat.
- Serve topped with 2 tablespoons chopped Organic Cilantro. Great with rice, naan, or warmed flatbread.
Cook time: 45 minutes
Estimated cost: $9-13 plus pantry spices and chickpeas
Health notes: High-fiber and plant-forward; moderate calories depending on how much oil and rice you serve with it.
Drink pairing: Off-dry Riesling or sparkling water with lemon.