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- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon curry powder - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Chickpeas and coconut milk are the stars of this dish. Chickpeas give the dish protein, while coconut milk adds creaminess. Both blend well with spices. You’ll also want fresh produce. Onions, garlic, and ginger bring depth. Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Spinach adds nutrition and a pop of green. Spices are key. Curry powder gives warmth. Turmeric adds color and health benefits. Cumin and paprika round out the flavor. Each spice plays a role in creating a balanced dish. Use olive oil for cooking. It helps sauté the veggies. For garnish, fresh cilantro and lime add a bright finish. They enhance the dish's flavors and visuals. Gather these ingredients to create a tasty and simple meal. Each item plays a part in making Coconut Curry Chickpeas a delightful experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large skillet or pot. You will heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Next, stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Cook this mixture for 1 more minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, it's time to add flavor with spices. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir well to coat the onions. Toast the spices for another minute to bring out their flavors. This step makes a big difference! After toasting the spices, pour in 1 can of coconut milk. Stir it well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will create a creamy base for your curry. Now, add 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas and 1 diced red bell pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend nicely. Once the curry has simmered, stir in 2 cups of fresh or frozen spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Now, taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Make sure it’s seasoned well! Finally, take the curry off the heat. Garnish it with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it hot, and enjoy your coconut curry chickpeas! - Choosing the right spices: Use fresh spices for rich flavor. Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and paprika create a great base. Toast these spices in hot oil to unlock their full taste. You can also try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. - Adjusting heat levels with ingredients: If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a milder dish, skip the heat or use sweet bell peppers. Always taste as you cook. This helps you find the right balance. - Serving suggestions: Serve the coconut curry in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This adds color and brightness. You can also sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for a special touch. - Pairing with rice or naan: For a full meal, serve the curry with steamed rice or warm naan. The rice soaks up the sauce well, while naan is perfect for dipping. These sides round out the dish and make it even more satisfying. Pro Tips Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Adding fresh cilantro just before serving brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness. Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of curry powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier curry. Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the curry with steamed jasmine rice or warm naan for a complete and satisfying meal. Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. {{image_2}} You can make coconut curry chickpeas your own by swapping some ingredients. Adding different vegetables can change the dish a lot. Try mixing in carrots, potatoes, or even zucchini. These add color and texture. You can use fresh or frozen veggies, depending on what you have. If you want to switch proteins, tofu is a great choice. It soaks up the curry flavors well. You could also use chicken for a meatier option. Just cook it until it's no longer pink before you add the coconut milk. This way, you keep the taste rich and hearty. Adjusting the spice levels can make the dish fit your taste. If you like heat, add some chili or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the curry a nice kick. Start with a little and add more as needed, so it meets your spice level. You can also add other flavors for richness. Peanut butter is a fun twist. It adds creaminess and makes the dish even more filling. Just stir in a spoonful when you add the coconut milk. This small change can take your coconut curry chickpeas to the next level. To keep your coconut curry chickpeas fresh, follow these tips. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent the dish from drying out. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can stay in the freezer for about three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, the stovetop is best for flavor. Pour the curry into a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. If the curry is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk. You can also use a microwave. Place the curry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. Always check the temperature to ensure it's hot all the way through. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use dried chickpeas! However, you need to cook them first. Soak them overnight in water. This softens them and cuts cooking time. After soaking, boil the chickpeas for about 1-2 hours until tender. Drain and rinse them before using. Absolutely! This dish is vegan. It uses coconut milk and chickpeas, both plant-based. You can enjoy it without worry if you follow a vegan diet. It’s a great choice for everyone. Want a kick? Add more spice! You can mix in red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Another option is to use spicy curry powder. Just remember to start small and taste as you go. Coconut curry chickpeas are easy and fun to make. You start with chickpeas and coconut milk, then add fresh veggies and spices. Sautéing the base builds flavor, while simmering brings everything together. You can personalize the dish with different ingredients and spices to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them well. This dish is great for many diets and can be served with rice or naan. Try this curry today; it's a delicious and healthy option!

Coconut Curry Chickpeas

A flavorful and creamy coconut curry made with chickpeas and spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and paprika to the skillet, stirring well to coat the onions. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  • Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the drained chickpeas and diced red bell pepper, stirring to combine. Allow the curry to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  • Stir in the spinach, cooking until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges and cilantro for garnish. Pair with steamed rice or naan for a complete meal.
Keyword chickpeas, coconut, curry, vegetarian