Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (adjust if using other salt types)
1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon Indian chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup water
8 ounces baby spinach or trimmed regular spinach, washed and dried
1 pound chicken breast or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup plain thick yogurt, preferably Greek-style
Instructions
1-First, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, then sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
2-Next, add the kosher salt, ground coriander, garam masala, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground cardamom, and Indian chili powder or cayenne pepper. Stir on medium-low heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3-Then, dissolve the 1 tablespoon of tomato paste in the ½ cup of water and stir it into the spice mixture. Cook for about 1 minute to form a thick sauce.
4-After that, add the 8 ounces of baby spinach or trimmed regular spinach, stir gently, cover, and raise the heat to medium-high. Let it wilt, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 3 to 6 minutes.
5-Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until mostly smooth. Adjust salt and spice if needed, then clean the skillet if desired.
6-Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of chicken breast or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces, season with salt, and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until almost done.
7-Pour the spinach sauce over the chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more. Finally, stir in the ¼ cup of plain thick yogurt and serve with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
🥬 Fresh baby spinach is preferred but regular spinach or other leafy greens can be used for variety.
🧂 Measure and mix spices in advance to speed up cooking.
🥄 Allow the curry to rest briefly before serving for improved flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 665 milligrams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 38 grams
- Cholesterol: 136 milligrams
