I have an excellent recipe for you, as well as a special treat for all of you Loki fans.
Over spring break, my husband and I took our high school junior on a 5-day whirlwind tour of 6 colleges in Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. We had excellent vegan food, especially in Chicago (Karyn’s on Green just rocks!) but one meal stands out as an unexpected treat. We were driving through Indianapolis after touring our last college, on our way back to Chicago to catch a 9pm flight home, and stopped at an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant called Spice Nation.
We were just in time for the lunch buffet, where all the vegan dishes were helpfully labeled. I will be honest: We stuffed ourselves. Everything was so good, and it was a thrill to be able to eat at an Indian restaurant and not worry about butter or cream. I think all of us would agree that our favorite dish was the one that was put out last, a creamed spinach with chickpeas similar to Palak Paneer but without the cheese.
By the time the spinach dish was put out on the buffet, I was already so full that I could only have a small taste of it. Rich and creamy, it was hard to believe that it was vegan, but the staff assured us it truly was. I came home determined to replicate it at home. Of course, I had to be a little different, so I made my version with kale instead of spinach. But my family didn’t notice, and according to them, it’s as good as the original, which was definitely not low-fat.
I used a few raw cashews for creaminess, but other than that, this rich, flavorful curry contains no oil, not even to temper the spices. I also used soy milk, but you can make it completely soy-free by using rice, almond, hemp, or coconut milk. And, of course, it’s naturally gluten-free.
It was an instant family favorite both for its flavor and for how quick it is to prepare. Even using a bunch of kale that had to be washed, stemmed, and chopped, I was able to make this dish in under a half hour. If you use pre-chopped kale or spinach, you can make it even more quickly.
Creamy Curried Kale and Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger root minced, or 1 tsp. powdered ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons garam masala see below
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 cups chopped kale 1 10-ounce bunch, about 6 ounces after stems removed, packed
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened soymilk or other non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast optional
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 15- ounce cans chickpeas drained and rinsed well
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened and beginning to brown, 4-5 minutes, adding water by the tablespoon if needed to prevent sticking. Add the garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining spices and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the kale and vegetable broth. Cover and cook until the kale is bright green and tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the kale is cooking, put the milk, cashews, nutritional yeast, and tomato paste in the blender and puree until smooth. When the kale is done, add it to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer blended mixture back to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Check seasonings and add more to taste. Stir in chickpeas and continue simmering about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste and serve over basmati rice.
Notes
1 small cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns Toast lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant (be careful not to burn). Remove from heat, cool, and grind in a coffee grinder or spice mill. Use immediately or seal tightly and store in a dark place away from heat. Makes about 2 tablespoons.
Nutritional info is approximate.
Before our trip, I had to buy a new suitcase. It arrived from Amazon in a big box that Loki immediately decided was our gift to him. I taped his favorite toy to the top and threw some of his balls and stuffed animals inside, and whenever he starts running wild, knocking everything off the kitchen table or climbing up the drapes, I bring him over to his box. This is the result:
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Kristin
Best wishes for an easy surgery and quick recovery, Susan! Just make sure they don’t take out the magical genius part that brings us all the amazing food. 😉
Julie
Thanks for all you do!!! Sending you lots of love and light for a speedy recovery!
carolina
I hope that you have speedy recovery!
Meaghan
Dear Susan,
You and your cute blogs, amazing recipes and fun enthusiasm towards vegan cooking has been such a huge force inmy life over the past two years. I am so very thankful for you and your site… I really hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly and you are back in the kitchen and enjoying your hubby, kitty and sweet girl as soon as possible. Nothing affects healing as much as a positive attitude and healthy mind and you seem to have both. Good luck my friend!
Angie
Lots of healing and positive vibes coming your way!
SamuelS
This is ETL friendly, correct? (still learning the in’s and out’s sorry).
Good luck …. I know all will be well and you are in our prayers!
Thanks – SS
Carry
If you use no-salt-added chickpeas and salt-free or homemade broth it is definitely ETL-friendly 🙂
Andrea Franklin
I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery to the full! So enjoyed the little Loki video – what a fun and spunky little guy! Gotta’ love a cat for fun! I’m sure you’ll enjoy his antics as you recuperate. So look forward to your recipes, and I’m especially fond of the chickpea ones…they are my favorite. Be well!
Chana
Very best wishes for a fast and complete recovery.
I look forward to hearing that you’re all better.
Cadry
This looks so good! We often get saag chana at our local Indian restaurant, but yours looks so much more inviting! Plus, I’d take kale over spinach any day of the week.
You’ve certainly gotten to see a lot of the country with your daughter’s college tour. Isn’t Chicago delightful for vegan fare? We visited Karyn’s On Green for my birthday this year and really enjoyed it.
Sending you lots of good vibes on your upcoming surgery!
Kcalla
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Also a gentle reminder, from experience, that recovery often follows the path of a yo yo whose handler is climbing up a long flight of stairs (that include a few “landings”). Hang in there and try to have as much patience with yourself as you would for others
Tim Hall
I will pray for your safe recovery.
Tim
Jem
Prayers will be heaven-bound for you on Tuesday! I can hardly wait to try this recipe. Get well and come back to us with even more of your wonderful cuisine creativity.
Sam David
Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thanks for all the good recipes, I can’t make them all.
SuiYee Fenwick
Dear Susan,
Sending healing thoughts and good intention. Hoping for a speedy recovery!
Thank you for the delicious recipe (tonight’s dinner).
Be well,
SuiYee
Colleen
Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Your video clip of a playful Loki was a treat to watch 🙂
Cheryl
Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery!!!!
sharon duffey
Susan,
If you put the love and energy of your food passion into your recovery, you will do great! Very positive and healing vibes for you on tuesday and the weeks ahead. I envision a very healthy and even better than ever you. Much gentleness, compassion to you.
In kindness,
Sharon
Ellie
I can’t wait to make this! Thanks for the recipe. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
kerstin decker
Susan, I have made this curried creamy Kale after eating in our Indian Restaurant here in Ocala Florida, but I did not use cashew nuts or milk, but used cauliflower as my cream base and absolutely loved it and it was very nutritious.
Thinking of you and wishing you well before, during and after the surgery. Eat well when you come home. HA HA
Deb
Will send healing thoughts your way Susan! Thanks so much for all you do — you are a rock star in our house!
Rebecca
Susan,
You bring so much joy to my life through your writing and recipes (and, of course, now Loki videos as well!). I will be holding you close to my heart, and sending lots of healing energy your way. Take gentle care of yourself. XO
Be well,
Rebecca
Rebecca
Oh, and also, I’m totally making this once I get to the grocery again. Indian is an absolute favorite of mine. I already regularly make Chana Masala and Rajmah, and now I get to add Chana Saag thanks to you!
By the way, these are your soups that are pretty much in weekly rotation in my house: your Smoky/Stormy Bean (I combine the two recipes into one), North African Kale, Black Bean Pineapple, Curried Cauliflower with Sweet Potato, Tropical Black Bean and Collard, Green on Green, and your Curried Split Pea with Cauliflower/Kale. Oh, and I can eat your Superfoods Soup daily. You’re an ETL rockstar in my kitchen. XO
Laura
You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery. Even my 8 year old gave this recipe a thumbs up from the picture – we both can’t wait to try it!
elise
Hi Susan,
I have been following your wonderful website for about 9 months now, since changing to a vegan diet as part of my own healing.
Remember that your body is designed to heal itself so give it the right conditions:
reduce stress( a big factor in ill-health I think), eat your fabulous vegan diet and be positive and gentle with yourself. I have also found meditation very useful.
Warm wishes for your surgery and recovery!
Looking forward to your new posts when you are ready.
Elise
Australia
Robin
Enjoyed the post. I will certainly have you in thoughts and prayers and will beam positive energy your way. You d so much for us!!!
Janet
Praying for a quick recovery for you! Thank you for what reads like another great recipe and for the Loki video. He’s really growing and is getting so handsome!
Mari K
Best wishes for a quick recovery, Susan! This recipe looks delicious. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to trying it!
eliza
Sending lots of healing thoughts and prayers. This looks amazing…will be making lots of your recipes this Spring!
P Cruickshank-Schott
Sending you light to support your positive energy… and rushing to the kitchen to make this for dinner. I’ll sauté the onions and garlic and warm the chickpeas and the rest will be blended raw. Can’t wait!
Shelah
Thanks for this wonderful recipe and the precious Loki video! Wishing you a successful surgery and a very quick and easy recovery <3
Esther J
Ah, a speedy recovery to you, Susan! I’ll make sure to say a prayer for you each time I make one of your recipes (I would say visit your site, but I do that multiple times a day. God might get tired of hearing about my vegan chef extraordinaire needing healing.;) )
Anyway, be well. And this recipe looks delish as usual (I’ll make it sometime probably next week. I would make it sooner, but don’t tell anyone, I only have one can of chickpeas (not even any dried ones) in my pantry. Vegan foodie alarms are going off somewhere as I type this.)
Best to you. 🙂
Werner
Susan,
Wishing you a speedy and uneventful path to restored health. You will be enveloped in an outpouring of love and concern from your readers, as I can tell after following this blog for the last several years. You have given us so much joy and inspiration through your healthful recipes, excellent writing, and most recently sharing your adorable kitten with us. Sending positive, healing thoughts your way in the coming weeks. Look forward to hearing from you when you’re up and about!
Lori
Hope you recover very quickly! Thanks for the Loki video to brighten our day! We love kale & chickpeas, so we’re looking forward to trying the recipe.
Silvia Sanchez
Blessings for you. You will be fine. Ill be missing your recipes and stories. Big hug read you soon
Stef
Your kitty is adorable, your recipe looks amazing, and I’m sending lots of healing energy and thoughts your way. 🙂
Sandi McMahill
Lots of prayers going up and blessings coming down. Take your time healing. We will miss you and Loki’s antics.
Sandi
Corrin Radd
Best of luck with the surgery!
Beth
I am recovering from a hysterectomy .. which was a total shock because I feel so great since I have changed to a plant based diet. I’m so glad that I have changed my health for the better. It’s been about two weeks and I feel pretty good. I’m totally amazed. I hope that you recover quickly! I know that your healthy eating will help you to heal quickly after your surgery. Thanks for all you do to help us all get healthy. I know that your posts have helped me to change my diet and get healthy.
Susie
This sounds delicious — can’t wait to try it! Susan, you’ll certainly be in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and a healing and recovery that’s as pain-free and speedy as possible. Please take care of yourself — many blessings to you!
dyannne
I love Indian food and will definitely be making this. Meanwhile, Susan, best of quick recovery wishes to you! I hope somebody will be cooking your favorite foods for you while you heal. Prayers and hugs!
Usha
How wonderful that you are looking after yourself along with taking care of your family, friends, etc. Rest, recover and re-energize…and our good thoughts and prayers are with you! Hugs!
Dan
Susan,
I will be praying for you.