If your rice isn’t cooked, cook it (rice cooking instructions)! In a food processor, blend the jalapeño, garlic, and ginger until everything is finely chopped (scrape the sides and under the blade). Add the onion and blend again until finely chopped, scraping down the sides and under the blade as needed. This step really helps to finely chop and release the juices for maximum flavor.
In a large pot, add the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the spices and let them toast in the oil for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the onion mixture and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and caramelized a bit in the spices (this is key for a deep, rich flavor).
Stir in the tomatoes and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and simmer for 5 more minutes. Stir in the spinach (if using), chickpeas, garam masala and paprika and cook for 5 more minutes or until the spinach is completely wilted. You’ll want to press the spinach into the liquid and stir it around so that it can soften and wilt. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
Make the cucumber yogurt by mixing everything together in a small bowl. Serve the chana masala with warm rice and top with cucumber yogurt.