Iron-Rich Black Chana and Spinach Curry

User profile image
Suman Yadav (@sumansauthenticrecipe)

Boost your health with this iron-rich curry 💪 Perfect for everyday meals. This recipe combines the goodness of black chana and spinach, blended with aromatic spices and a creamy texture from cashews and curd. It's a wholesome dish that pairs beautifully with rice or roti, making it ideal for everyday...

Iron-Rich Black Chana and Spinach Curry recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • Black chana (soaked & boiled)
    Black chana (soaked & boiled)
    250g
  • Spinach (palak) leaves
    Spinach (palak) leaves
    1bundle
  • Curd
    Curd
    1/2cup
  • nos Cashews
    nos Cashews
    6
  • Cooking oil
    Cooking oil
    2tbsp
  • Ghee
    Ghee
    1tbsp
  • Jeera
    Jeera
    1tsp
  • Hing
    Hing
    1pinch
  • Onion (finely chopped)
    Onion (finely chopped)
    2
  • Ginger garlic paste
    Ginger garlic paste
    1tsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1/4tsp
  • Red chilli powder
    Red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • Coriander powder
    Coriander powder
    1tsp
  • Jeera powder
    Jeera powder
    1/4tsp
  • Garam masala
    Garam masala
    1/4tsp
  • Kasuri methi
    Kasuri methi
    1tbsp
  • Salt
    Salt
    1pinch
  • Fresh coriander (for garnish)
    Fresh coriander (for garnish)
    1

How to make Iron-Rich Black Chana and Spinach Curry

  1. Step 1

    Soak and boil black chana until tender (4–5 whistles in a pressure cooker).

  2. Step 2

    Blanch spinach and cashews in hot water, then transfer them to cold water to retain their color.

  3. Step 3

    Blend spinach, cashews, and curd into a smooth paste using a blender.

  4. Step 4

    Heat oil in a pan, add jeera, hing, onion, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

  5. Step 5

    Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, jeera powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine.

  6. Step 6

    Pour in the spinach puree and 1 cup of the water used to boil the chana. Mix thoroughly.

  7. Step 7

    Add the boiled chana to the pan and cook for 6–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  8. Step 8

    Finish by adding kasuri methi and garnishing with fresh coriander leaves.

  9. Step 9

    Heat ghee in a small pan, add hing and red chilli powder to make a tadka. Pour the tadka over the curry before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

121.4kcal (6.07%)

Protein

5.2g (10.3%)

Carbs

10.8g (3.93%)

Sugars

1.6g (3.26%)

Healthy Fat

4.1g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the spinach is blanched quickly to retain its vibrant green color.

  2. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by modifying the quantity of red chilli powder.

  3. Serve the curry hot with freshly cooked rice or soft rotis for the best taste.

  4. For a thicker consistency, simmer the curry for a few extra minutes.

  5. Use fresh kasuri methi for enhanced aroma and flavor.

FAQS

  1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of black chana?

    Yes, you can use canned chickpeas as a substitute. However, black chana has a distinct flavor and texture that complements this curry.

  2. Can I skip the cashews in this recipe?

    Cashews add creaminess to the curry, but you can substitute them with almonds or skip them entirely if needed.

  3. How do I blanch spinach properly?

    Boil water, add spinach leaves for 30 seconds, then transfer them to ice-cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.

  4. Can I make this curry vegan?

    Yes, replace curd with a plant-based yogurt and skip the ghee to make it vegan.

  5. How long can I store this curry?

    You can store the curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Loading reviews...

sumansauthenticrecipe's profile picture
instagram

Suman Yadav

(@sumansauthenticrecipe)

Kitchen/cooking 🥘Authentic Recipe 🍱Everyday Lunch Thali ideas 👌Easy | Quick | Food Hack | Healthy Recipe...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia