This super easy saag chole Recipe is the stuff dreams are made of. Inspired by the iconic Indian dish Saag Chole aka spinach and chickpeas. It is the perfect foray into curry for beginners. The ingredient list is short and the comes together quick, in about 25 minutes. Beans and Greens are always a power pair and in this dish they really shine. Tender greens and chickpeas make this hearty, nutritious and delicious.
What is Saag Chole
Saag Chole is a classic Indian dish made with chickpeas and greens in a creamy curry sauce. It is a hearty dish that is packed with plant-based protein and fiber. If you are an Indian food lover, you have probably seen this dish at restaurants, it is quite popular. The sauce is laced with ginger, garlic and onions, plus warming spices like coriander, cumin and garam masala.
What are the ingredients for Saag Chole
- Aromatics: Garlic, Ginger and Onion
- Spices: Turmeric, Garam Masala, Cumin, Salt, Crushed Red Pepper flakes, Black Pepper
- Chickpeas
- Greens: Spinach, Mustard or Power Greens
- Tomato Paste
- Unsweetened Plant Milk
- Vegan Yogurt
How to make vegan Saag Chole
Make the spice base: We start this Easy Saag Chole recipe like most Indian inspired curries with the holy trinity of aromatics: garlic, ginger and onions. I like to mince mine but if you prefer you can blend them instead. To this recipe I add fresh turmeric. If fresh is unavailable, just add extra ground. Cooking these aromatics is the longest step of this recipe as you need them to be browning and super fragrant. Do not rush!
Add the chickpeas and greens: Add the chickpeas without draining them. In this Easy Saag Chole, the chickpeas are the "meat" of the recipe. They fill you up with fiber and protein. If chickpeas are not your favorite, you can substitute a softer bean like white beans in this recipe with a delicious result. Then add the tender greens which are imperative to produce the silky texture of this dish. If a power greens mix is unavailable, spinach works just as well. Chop the greens small in order to produce a smooth and creamy texture.
Finish the sauce: Add whichever unsweetened plant milk that you like and tomato paste, mix well and bring to a quick boil. Then add all the dry spices and simmer. Last finish with yogurt for a super creamy texture and silky finish.
Other delicious Indian style curries you will love
Easy Saag Chole
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp Fresh ginger minced
- 1 tsp fresh turmeric minced
- ½ yellow onion small dice
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 15 oz organic chickpeas
- 4 cups power greens or spinach chopped fine
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp plain plant based yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Pinch Crushed red pepper
- Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating your wok or saucepan on medium heat with the oil, then add garlic, ginger, fresh turmeric (if unavailable and add extra 1 tsp dry turmeric when adding the dry spices)and yellow onion and cook stirring often until browned and super fragrant about 10 minutes
- Add chickpeas and greens and cook 2 mins until all greens have wilted
- Add plant milk and tomato paste and bring to a boil
- Add turmeric powder, garam masala, ground cumin, crushed red pepper, salt and ground black pepper.
- Let simmer 5 mins and stir well to incorporate all spices.
- Turn off heat and add plain plant yogurt for extra creaminess
- Serve with rice and/or naan bread.
Leslie
I liked this a lot! It’s going into the rotation at my house. It came out just like the photo! I think it was missing a little bit of brightness/acid - so will increase the tomato paste closer to 2 tbsp next time. Or maybe throw in some tomatoes? Thanks for the great recipe.
Sara Tercero
Hi Leslie so glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback.