Sweet and Savory Chickpea Delight
Indulge in this innovative Sweet and Savory Chickpea Delight that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Indo-African cuisine. This unique curry is a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy flavors, thanks to the warm notes of fennel and the natural sweetness of apples and raisins. Carrots bring vibrant color and texture while chickpeas provide a hearty foundation, making this dish not only satisfying but also nourishing. Perfectly complemented by fragrant basmati rice, it’s a comforting meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed fields of South Africa. This cherished family recipe from my mother-in-law, Shirley, showcases how historical influences have beautifully shaped modern cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
4 tablespoons (none)
yellow onions
2 (diced)
ginger
1 inch (minced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
fennel seed
1 teaspoon (none)
apples
2 (finely diced)
carrots
2 (sliced and cubed)
tomatoes
2 (diced)
cooked chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
vegetable stock
1/2 cup (none)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
raisins
1/3 cup (none)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped (for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute while ensuring the mixture doesn't stick to the pot.
3
Once the onion mixture is aromatic, add the curry powder, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and fennel seeds. Stir and cook for 3 more minutes to let the spices bloom.
4
Incorporate the finely diced apples, stirring for about a minute before adding the cubed carrots. Mix well and then add the diced tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5
Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
After 20 minutes, add the lemon juice and raisins. Stir gently and continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
8
Once cooked, serve hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, garnished with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Chickpea Delight?
It is an innovative curry that embodies Indo-African culinary heritage, featuring a unique fusion of sweet and spicy flavors from chickpeas, apples, and raisins.
What is the cultural origin of this recipe?
This dish is rooted in Indo-African cuisine and is a cherished family recipe from the creator's mother-in-law, Shirley, from South Africa.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a vegetarian dish and contains only plant-based ingredients.
Is this chickpea curry vegan?
Yes, all ingredients, including vegetable oil and vegetable stock, are vegan-friendly.
What ingredients provide the sweetness in this dish?
The natural sweetness comes from the addition of two finely diced apples and a third of a cup of raisins.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The spice blend includes curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and fennel seeds.
How many onions are needed and how should they be prepared?
The recipe requires two yellow onions that should be diced.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the diced onions in vegetable oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent.
When should the garlic and ginger be added?
Add the minced garlic and ginger after the onions have become translucent, and cook for an additional minute.
How do I let the spices bloom?
After the onion mixture is aromatic, add the curry powder, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, and fennel seeds and cook for 3 minutes.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced and cubed before being added to the pot.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for two diced tomatoes which are cooked until they soften.
What kind of chickpeas are required?
You will need one 15-ounce can of cooked chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans), drained and rinsed.
How much vegetable stock is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vegetable stock to build the curry base.
How long does the curry need to simmer initially?
Once it reaches a low boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes.
When is the lemon juice added?
Lemon juice is added after the initial 20-minute simmer, along with the raisins.
What is the purpose of the final 10-minute simmer?
The final 10 minutes of simmering uncovered allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is 30 minutes (20 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered).
What side dish is recommended for serving?
The dish is best served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
What garnish is used for the Sweet and Savory Chickpea Delight?
Garnish the dish with two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Does this recipe use fennel seeds?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds to provide warm aromatic notes.
How much vegetable oil is required for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
What type of apples work best?
While any apple can work, they should be finely diced to integrate well into the curry.
Can I use ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
The recipe specifies 1 inch of fresh minced ginger, but a comparable amount of paste could be used.
Is this a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and focuses on nourishing ingredients like chickpeas and carrots.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 specific ingredients used to make this dish.
Is the dish very spicy?
The dish is described as a balance of spicy and sweet, using curry powder and warm spices rather than extreme heat.
Can I substitute the vegetable stock with water?
Vegetable stock is recommended for depth of flavor, but water can be used if stock is unavailable.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, as a curry, the flavors often improve the next day, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or meal prep.