Savory Chickpea Curry with Turmeric Basmati Rice
This delightful Savory Chickpea Curry is inspired by traditional Indian flavors and is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a Meatless Monday meal. The fragrant spices woven into this dish create a symphony of flavors: a base of sautéed Vidalia onions and garlic stir up a warm aromatic essence, while the addition of red chili powder and a hint of coriander adds a pleasant zing. Chickpeas, simmered to perfection, contribute a creamy texture when blended— enhanced further by the unexpected yet delicious swirl of peanut butter. Served over fluffy basmati rice cooked with turmeric, this recipe not only pleases the palate but also brings a vibrant yellow hue to your plate, making it visually appealing. Adjust the heat to suit your taste, and enjoy this wholesome dish that’s both filling and packed with nutrients.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Cumin
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
Curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (preferably Madras)
Coriander
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Chickpeas
2 (14 1/2 oz) cans (drained, half liquid reserved)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons
Peanut butter
2 teaspoons
Salt
to taste
Cilantro leaves
1/2 cup
Basmati rice
1 1/2 cups (rinsed)
Butter
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric
3/4 teaspoon
Water
3 cups
Instructions
1
To prepare the basmati rice, rinse 1.5 cups of basmati rice in cold water until the rinsing water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat before adding the rinsed rice. Toast the rice in the butter for 1-2 minutes until it releases a nutty aroma.
3
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon turmeric, mixing well with the rice.
4
Pour in 3 cups of water and cover the skillet. Increase heat to bring it to a slight boil before reducing the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 10-12 minutes.
5
Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
6
For the chickpea curry, heat a large pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are softened and lightly browned.
7
Add red chili powder (or chopped chili) and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
8
Incorporate cumin, curry powder, and coriander into the onion mixture, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
9
Add the drained chickpeas along with half of their reserved liquid, stirring to coat all the chickpeas with the spice mixture evenly.
10
Mix in the lemon juice and tomato paste, simmering on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too dry, add water in 1/4 cup increments as needed.
11
Take about one-third of the chickpea mixture and blend it in a blender for about 20 seconds until smooth. If necessary, add a bit of water to achieve a smooth blend.
12
Return the blended chickpeas to the pan and stir well, allowing it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
13
Add 2 teaspoons of peanut butter to the pan, stirring until it melts and combines into the curry.
14
Incorporate half of the cilantro leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
15
Serve the chickpea curry over the turmeric basmati rice, garnishing with the remaining cilantro leaves.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
45.5g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
9g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chickpea Curry with Turmeric Basmati Rice?
It is a hearty Indian-inspired dish featuring chickpeas simmered in a spiced curry sauce served over vibrant yellow turmeric-infused basmati rice.
Is this chickpea curry recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses chickpeas as the primary protein and contains no meat products.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, based on the listed ingredients, this chickpea curry and basmati rice dish is gluten-free.
How many calories are in a serving of this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This dish provides 12.5g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe contain?
The recipe is high in fiber, offering 9g per serving.
What type of onion is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 chopped Vidalia onion for its sweet and mild flavor.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves for the curry base.
What spices are used in the chickpea curry?
The curry uses red chili powder, ground cumin, Madras curry powder, and ground coriander.
Why is turmeric used in the rice?
Turmeric is added to the basmati rice to provide a vibrant yellow hue and a subtle earthy flavor.
How do I prepare the basmati rice?
Rinse 1.5 cups of rice, toast it in butter, add salt and turmeric, then simmer in 3 cups of water for 10-12 minutes.
Why should I rinse the basmati rice?
Rinsing the rice in cold water until it runs clear removes excess starch, ensuring the grains remain fluffy and separate.
What does toasting the rice in butter do?
Toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes releases a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile of the side dish.
What is the unique ingredient used to thicken the curry?
2 teaspoons of peanut butter are added to the curry to provide a creamy texture and an unexpected depth of flavor.
How is the texture of the curry achieved?
The texture is created by blending about one-third of the cooked chickpea mixture until smooth and then stirring it back into the pan.
What should I do if the curry mixture becomes too dry?
If the mixture is too dry, you can add water in 1/4 cup increments until you reach your desired consistency.
Do I drain the chickpeas completely?
No, you should drain them but reserve half of the liquid to use during the simmering process.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
What citrus element is included in the recipe?
The juice of half a lemon is incorporated to add brightness and balance the savory spices.
How do I use the cilantro in this dish?
Half of the 1/2 cup of cilantro leaves is stirred into the curry, while the remaining half is used as a garnish.
What is the total fat content?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This recipe contains 45.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the curry?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder or chopped chili to suit your personal heat preference.
How long should I blend the chickpea portion?
Blend about one-third of the mixture for approximately 20 seconds until it is smooth.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 17 individual ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for Meatless Monday?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being a perfect, filling option for a Meatless Monday meal.
What kind of curry powder is preferred?
Madras curry powder is the preferred variety for this specific recipe.
How much water is used for the rice?
3 cups of water are used to cook 1.5 cups of basmati rice.
When do I add the peanut butter?
Add the peanut butter toward the end of the cooking process, stirring until it melts and combines into the curry.
How should the rice be finished?
After simmering, let the rice sit covered for a few minutes and then fluff it with a fork before serving.