Coconut Curried Chickpeas

Coconut Curried Chickpeas Recipe from India with Cilantro, Spinach, and Cauliflower

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coconut Curried Chickpeas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the bold flavors of curry powder. This vegetarian dish is packed with vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Indian cuisine, where coconut milk and curry powder are commonly used to create rich and aromatic dishes. The combination of chickpeas and vegetables in a coconut curry sauce is a popular choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
4.5 cup of stemmed, coarsely chopped spinach
3 cup of cauliflower florets
1.5 tbsp of olive oil
6 medium cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp of salt
3 tbsp of homemade curry powder or good-quality commercial brand
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced on diagonal
3 cup of cut green cabbage (2 inches pieces)
2 tbsp of vegetable broth or water
4 cup of cooked chickpeas or rinsed canned chickpeas
0.75 cup of coconut milk

How to prepare

1. In a wok, bring 2.5 qt (2.36 liters) of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add cauliflower and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Set the wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of oil. Add garlic, onion, and 1 tsp of salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute. Add curry powder and stir-fry for another minute (curry will absorb most of the oil). Add the remaining 0.5 tbsp of oil, then carrots, cabbage, and the remaining 1 tsp of salt. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually drizzle broth around the outer perimeter of the vegetables (not in the center). Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk and cook, uncovered, for 2.5 minutes.
4. Add spinach, the reserved cauliflower, and cilantro. Cook, stirring, just until the spinach begins to wilt, about 1 minute. Serve hot.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Stir in some diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender to retain their texture and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences – you can make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.

- For a creamier sauce, you can add more coconut milk or a splash of coconut cream.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Coconut Curried Chickpeas over steamed rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables helps to retain their crunch and vibrant colors, while simmering them in the coconut curry sauce allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any variety of vegetables in this dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Coconut Curried Chickpeas in a large serving bowl garnished with additional cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of tangy mango chutney for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Coconut Curried Chickpeas is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a great option for a vegetarian meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Summary

Coconut Curried Chickpeas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal option. Packed with vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the bold flavors of curry powder and the richness of coconut milk in this satisfying and flavorful dish.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during one of my trips to Southeast Asia, where the vibrant colors and exotic flavors of the cuisine never failed to captivate me. I was wandering through a bustling street market in Thailand, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling vendors selling their wares.

As I meandered through the narrow alleys, my senses were overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. I followed my nose to a small food stall where a friendly older woman was cooking up a storm. She had a large pot bubbling away on a charcoal stove, and the tantalizing scent of coconut and curry filled the air.

Intrigued, I approached the woman and struck up a conversation with her. She spoke in a melodic Thai accent, telling me about the dish she was preparing - Coconut Curried Chickpeas. She explained that it was a traditional Thai recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family.

I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She showed me how to prepare the dish, guiding me through each step with patience and care. I watched as she added coconut milk, curry paste, and a medley of spices to the pot, creating a rich and fragrant sauce that enveloped the tender chickpeas.

As the dish simmered away, the woman shared stories of her childhood in Thailand, recounting memories of cooking with her grandmother in a small kitchen filled with the warmth of love and tradition. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and I could see the passion and dedication she had for her craft.

After the dish was ready, she ladled it into a bowl and handed me a spoon to taste. The first bite was a revelation - the creamy coconut milk mingled with the fiery curry paste, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. The chickpeas were tender and flavorful, soaking up the rich sauce like sponges.

I savored each bite, savoring the complex layers of spices and aromatics that infused the dish. It was a culinary masterpiece, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that left me craving more.

As I bid farewell to the woman, she pressed a piece of paper into my hand. It was a handwritten copy of the recipe for Coconut Curried Chickpeas, a precious gift that I would treasure forever. I thanked her profusely, promising to honor the recipe and pass it on to future generations.

Back home, I recreated the dish in my own kitchen, following the woman's instructions to the letter. The familiar aromas of coconut and curry filled the air, transporting me back to that bustling street market in Thailand. With each spoonful, I felt a connection to the woman and her family, a bond forged through the shared love of food and tradition.

Since then, Coconut Curried Chickpeas has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that never fails to delight and impress. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the flavors and stories of my culinary journey.

As I sit here, reminiscing about that fateful day in Thailand, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. Her generosity and warmth continue to inspire me, reminding me of the power of food to connect us across cultures and generations.

And so, I will continue to cook and share Coconut Curried Chickpeas, honoring the woman and her family with each delicious bite. For me, this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magical moment when flavors and memories converged to create a culinary masterpiece.