Indian-Style Kale with Chickpeas

This vibrant dish combines tender kale and protein-rich chickpeas, infused with warm Indian spices for a flavorful and healthy meal. It's quick to prepare and perfect for adding a nutritious twist to your weeknight dinner.

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TIME25 min

SERVINGS4

RATINGNew

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed 1 onion, finely chopped 1 red chile pepper, seeded and sliced 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch sea salt 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 cup roughly chopped kale, or more to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating some oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion and chile pepper, and cook them until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, add the chickpeas along with the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Splash in a little water to keep things from sticking, then add the lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh kick. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. Finally, stir in the kale and cook just until it wilts, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes. Once everything is nicely combined and tender, take the pan off the heat and it’s ready to serve.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh kale and remove tough stems for a better texture.
- Rinse canned chickpeas well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Toast spices lightly in oil before adding other ingredients to release their aroma.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is a vibrant mix of hearty chickpeas and nutritious kale, flavored with warm Indian spices. It’s both filling and healthy, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting side dish. The combination offers great texture and a satisfying taste that everyone can enjoy.

Serving ideas

Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also pairs nicely with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems dry. This dish also freezes well for up to a month.