Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of curried chickpeas, a comforting dish that's perfect for any meal. The blend of spices, tender chickpeas, and creamy coconut milk creates a vibrant and satisfying experience, enhanced with a hint of heat from jalapeno and the fresh touch of cilantro. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty, vegetarian option that's both easy to make and delicious.
Photos of Curried Chickpeas Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found, you might need to look for a few specific items. Yellow curry powder is essential for that classic curry flavor. Coconut milk gives the dish its creamy texture, so make sure to get a good quality can. Fresh ginger can often be found in the produce section, and jalapeno adds the heat, which you can adjust according to your preference.
Ingredients for Curried Chickpeas Recipe
Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the curry.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with its distinctive, aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds a fresh and spicy kick to the curry.
Yellow curry powder: The key spice blend that defines the curry's flavor.
Green bell pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild, sweet flavor.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds heat and a slight smoky flavor to the dish.
Coconut milk: Provides a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness.
Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a rich, umami flavor.
Chickpeas: The main protein source, providing texture and substance.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish to the curry.
White rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious curry flavors.
One reader, Goddard Vandyke says:
This curried chickpeas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors! The coconut milk adds a creamy touch, while the spices bring warmth and depth. It's easy to make and perfect over rice. A new favorite in our household!
Techniques Required for Making Curried Chickpeas
How to cook onion in butter: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them using a knife or a garlic press.
How to grate ginger: Peel the ginger root and use a grater to finely grate it.
How to chop bell pepper and jalapeño: Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell pepper and jalapeño, then chop them into small pieces.
How to open a can of coconut milk: Use a can opener to open the can of coconut milk.
How to open a can of tomatoes: Use a can opener to open the can of tomatoes.
How to open a can of chickpeas: Use a can opener to open the cans of chickpeas, then drain and rinse them.
How to cook rice: Measure 4 cups of white rice and rinse it under cold water. Add the rice to a pot with 8 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 18 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
How to chop fresh cilantro: Rinse the cilantro under cold water, then chop it finely using a knife.
How To Make Curried Chickpeas
A simple and easy chickpeas recipe for curried chickpeas! This wonderful dish is a well-rounded meal with an amazing depth of flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspbutter
- 1onionsliced
- 4clovesgarlicminced
- 2tspgingerfresh, minced
- 1½tbspyellow curry powder
- 1green red bell pepperor red bell pepper, sliced
- 1jalapeno pepperseeded, minced
- 1cancoconut milk(15 oz) full fat
- 14oztomatoesdiced
- 2canschickpeas(15 oz each) drained and rinsed
- fresh cilantroroughly chopped for serving
- 4cupswhite ricecooked, for serving
Instructions
-
Cook onion in butter in a large saucepan until it begins to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and curry powder. Cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
-
Stir in bell pepper and jalapeño. Continue to cook over medium heat until tender-crisp.
-
Add remaining ingredients and simmer uncovered about 15 minutes or until thickened.
-
Serve over rice with cilantro.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1286.83kcal
- Fat: 33.22g
- Saturated Fat: 22.72g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.91g
- Carbohydrates: 217.14g
- Fiber: 17.58g
- Sugar: 14.03g
- Protein: 32.29g
- Cholesterol: 7.63mg
- Sodium: 551.71mg
- Calcium: 175.36mg
- Potassium: 1101.38mg
- Iron: 8.43mg
- Vitamin A: 139.86µg
- Vitamin C: 62.18mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Curried Chickpeas
To enhance the flavor of the curry powder, toast it in the pan for a minute before adding the garlic and ginger. This will release the essential oils and deepen the spice's aroma.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Curried Chickpeas
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and peppers in advance to save time during cooking.
Use canned chickpeas: Opt for canned chickpeas instead of dried ones to cut down on soaking and cooking time.
Pre-cook rice: Cook the white rice ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
One-pot method: Use a large saucepan to cook everything in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Substitute Ingredients For Curried Chickpeas Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and can be used to sauté the ingredients, offering a slightly different but complementary flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it has a less intense flavor.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in place of fresh ginger, though it has a more concentrated flavor, so use less.
yellow curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a different but equally complex spice profile that can work well in curried dishes.
green red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter but can provide a similar heat and flavor profile.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk with coconut extract: Almond milk with a bit of coconut extract can mimic the creamy texture and flavor of coconut milk.
tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used if fresh or canned tomatoes are unavailable, though it will be more concentrated.
chickpeas - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a similar texture and can absorb the flavors of the curry well.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can provide a similar fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier alternative.
Presenting Curried Chickpeas in Style
Use a shallow, wide bowl: This allows the curried chickpeas to be the star of the dish, with the white rice forming a beautiful base layer.
Create a rice mold: Use a small bowl or mold to shape the white rice into a neat, compact dome in the center of the plate.
Layer the chickpeas around the rice: Spoon the curried chickpeas around the rice dome, ensuring an even distribution of onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper for visual appeal.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Finely chop the fresh cilantro and sprinkle it generously over the curried chickpeas for a burst of color and freshness.
Add a drizzle of coconut milk: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of coconut milk over the dish to enhance the creamy texture and add a touch of elegance.
Use microgreens for garnish: Add a few sprigs of microgreens on top of the white rice dome for an extra layer of sophistication and a pop of green.
Serve with a lime wedge: Place a lime wedge on the side of the plate to add a hint of acidity that complements the richness of the curried chickpeas.
Finish with a dusting of curry powder: Lightly dust the edges of the plate with a pinch of yellow curry powder to tie the presentation together and hint at the flavors within.
Essential Tools for Making Curried Chickpeas
Large saucepan: Used to cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder, and to simmer the entire dish.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, and ginger.
Chef's knife: Essential for finely chopping the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, and ginger.
Can opener: Needed to open the cans of coconut milk, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, curry powder, and other spices accurately.
Rice cooker: Convenient for cooking the white rice to serve with the curried chickpeas.
Serving spoon: Useful for serving the curried chickpeas over the rice.
Small bowl: Handy for holding the chopped garlic and ginger before adding them to the saucepan.
Colander: Used to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before adding them to the dish.
Storing and Freezing Curried Chickpeas for Later
- Allow the curried chickpeas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the curried chickpeas, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen curried chickpeas in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
- Reheat the thawed curried chickpeas in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency if it has thickened during storage.
- Tip: Portion the curried chickpeas into individual serving sizes before freezing for easier reheating and to avoid having to thaw the entire batch at once.
- If you have cooked the rice ahead of time, store it separately from the curried chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month.
- To reheat the rice, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Curried Chickpeas
Stovetop method: Transfer the leftover curried chickpeas to a saucepan and add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method allows you to control the consistency of the sauce and ensures even heating.
Microwave method: Place the leftover curried chickpeas in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Heat on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce is hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate or the chickpeas to become mushy.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover curried chickpeas to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftovers or if you want to reheat the chickpeas alongside other dishes.
Slow cooker method: If you have a small slow cooker or a mini crockpot, you can use it to reheat your leftover curried chickpeas. Transfer the chickpeas to the slow cooker, add a splash of coconut milk or water if needed, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce is hot. This method is perfect for keeping the chickpeas warm for an extended period, making it ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the curried chickpeas well to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from scorching on the bottom of the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick during reheating, add a small amount of coconut milk, water, or vegetable broth to thin it out and maintain the desired consistency.
Random Fact about Curried Chickpeas
A fun fact about this curried chickpeas recipe is that coconut milk not only adds a rich, creamy texture but also balances the heat from the jalapeño pepper.
Is Making Curried Chickpeas at Home Cost-Effective?
This curried chickpeas recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chickpeas, onion, garlic, and rice are affordable and widely available. Coconut milk and curry powder add a rich flavor without breaking the bank. Fresh cilantro and bell pepper bring a burst of freshness. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Curried Chickpeas Healthy or Unhealthy?
This curried chickpea recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy ingredients:
- Chickpeas: Rich in fiber, protein, and various nutrients
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and jalapeño provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Tomatoes: Offer lycopene and vitamin C
- Cilantro: Contains antioxidants and aids in digestion
Less healthy aspects:
- Butter: High in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed excessively
- Coconut milk: High in saturated fat, although it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may have some health benefits
- White rice: A refined grain that lacks fiber and nutrients compared to brown rice or other whole grains
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil
- Use light coconut milk or a mixture of light coconut milk and vegetable broth to reduce the saturated fat content
- Opt for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrient intake
- Add more vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or carrots, to boost the nutritional value of the dish
- Reduce the amount of curry powder if you're concerned about the sodium content, and use low-sodium canned chickpeas and tomatoes
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal and add more nutrients
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Chickpea Dish
This curried chickpeas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas creates a comforting dish. The addition of bell pepper and jalapeño adds a nice crunch and a hint of heat. Serving it over white rice with fresh cilantro enhances the overall experience, making it a well-rounded meal. However, consider adding a squeeze of lime for a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Overall, it's a satisfying and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare.
Enhance Your Curried Chickpeas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Curried Chickpeas Recipe:
This curried chickpeas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a wholesome meal. The combination of coconut milk and yellow curry powder creates a rich, creamy base, while the chickpeas add a satisfying bite. Fresh ginger and garlic infuse the dish with aromatic depth, and the bell pepper and jalapeño provide a subtle heat. Served over white rice and garnished with cilantro, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious. Trust in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients for a meal that will impress.
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