Spicy Chickpea Curry (Print Version)

Tender chickpeas simmered in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with coconut milk and fragrant spices.

# Recipe Ingredients:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 large tomato, diced (or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes)
06 - 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

→ Spices

09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
11 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
12 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
13 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
16 - 1 teaspoon salt
17 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Liquids

18 - 1 cup coconut milk
19 - ½ cup water
20 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Directions:

01 - Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
02 - Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
03 - Stir in garlic, grated ginger, and green chili if using; sauté 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; stir continuously for 1 minute.
05 - Incorporate diced tomato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and thickened.
06 - Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and water; stir thoroughly to combine.
07 - Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
08 - If desired, stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
09 - Remove from heat, mix in lemon juice, and sprinkle garam masala over the top.
10 - Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm alongside rice or naan.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This curry feels like a secret hug on a chilly day, with its perfect balance of heat and comfort.
  • It became a favorite because it's incredibly forgiving: you can tweak the spices to exactly how you like it without losing any magic.
02 -
  • Don't rush the spice toasting—this step deepens flavor more than you expect.
  • Adding lemon juice at the end lifts the entire dish, cutting through richness with just a touch of brightness.
03 -
  • Using fresh spices rather than old shelf stuff makes a night-and-day difference.
  • Adjust the cayenne gradually to find the perfect heat balance just for your taste buds.

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