Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (more to taste)
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons red curry paste (Maesri or Thai Kitchen recommended)
  
• One 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
• One 14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  
• 2–3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice
   Cook the jasmine rice following the directions on the package so it’s ready when the curry is done.
2. Start the Flavor Base
   Warm the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and red curry paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until everything softens and becomes aromatic.
3. Build the Sauce
   Add the brown sugar, coconut milk, and soy sauce. Let the mixture gently simmer so it thickens slightly.
4. Add the Chickpeas and Greens
   Tip in the chickpeas, spinach, and cilantro. Cook until the chickpeas are hot and the spinach has wilted. For a creamier consistency, lightly mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a wooden spoon.
5. Adjust and Serve
   Taste and tweak as needed—lime juice, extra ginger, or lemongrass are all great optional boosts. Serve the curry over rice, add chili crisp if you like heat, and pile on a cucumber salad or a bit more cilantro.

• Simple Pickled Cucumber Salad:
  Use a mandoline to thinly slice 3 small cucumbers and a small piece of red onion. Toss with 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Let the mixture rest for 20–30 minutes (longer is even better), then serve alongside the curry.
• About the Rice:
  1 1/2 cups uncooked rice yields a generous amount—enough for large servings or for those who like extra rice on the side.
• If Your Sauce Seems Thin:
  Some coconut milk brands vary in richness. If you end up with a runny sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the simmering curry. It will thicken within a couple of minutes.