Chickpea Curry
This Chickpea Curry blends caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of whole and ground spices to develop a rich, aromatic sauce that envelops tender chickpeas. Coconut milk adds creaminess, balanced by fresh lime juice and cilantro. Served over basmati rice with naan, it offers a comforting, hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil , or vegetable oil
- 1 onion diced, large
- Pinch baking soda (to carmelize onions quickly)
- 4-5 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 Tablespoons ginger fresh, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds whole
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 oz cans tomato or regular diced tomatoes, fire-roasted, diced
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste, sea salt
- 2 oz cans chickpeas , drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 .5 oz can coconut milk unsweetened
- 1 1/2 cups cilantro chopped, fresh
- lime juice of one lime, fresh
Serve with:
- basmati rice for serving, hot cooked
- Naan
- Raita optional, or tzatziki
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened. Reduce heat to medium and add a pinch of baking soda, stirring well. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onion is caramelized and browned, about 10 minutes (take your time on this step!).
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add diced tomatoes, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and salt, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add chickpeas.
- Stir cornstarch in to coconut milk and add to the pot. Stir well and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook rice according to package instructions.
- Taste curry and adjust seasonings as desired, if needed.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice on top. Serve over cooked basmati rice and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a small scoop of raita or tzatziki on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Add 2 to 3 cups of vegetables like baby spinach, kale, cauliflower, snap peas, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers when adding diced tomatoes to increase nutrition and variety.
- This curry can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days; store rice separately.
- For freezing, portion into suitable containers and store up to 2 months for convenient meals.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 271
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 271kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 305mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 396mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 488IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 41mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.