Pumpkin and Chickpea Curry with Basmati Rice

Vegetarian Curry with Pumpkin and Chickpeas Recipe

This vegetarian curry with pumpkin and chickpeas is a wholesome and satisfying dish, perfect for those who are looking to enjoy a nutritious, plant-based meal. The flavors of warm spices like curry, turmeric, and paprika blend beautifully with the richness of pumpkin and chickpeas. This dish is paired with basmati rice, making it a complete meal that is sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Serves: 4
Category: One-Pot Meals

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chickpeas
   Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for several hours or overnight to ensure they cook evenly. Once ready, drain and set aside for use later.

2. Prepare the Pumpkin
   While the chickpeas soak, begin preparing the pumpkin. Cut it in half, remove the seeds and internal fibers, and peel off the outer skin. Next, slice the pumpkin into evenly sized pieces, aiming for chunks that are roughly the same size as the chickpeas. This will help ensure both ingredients cook at the same rate.

3. Cook the Basmati Rice
   In a medium saucepan, heat 40g of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion (40g), which has been peeled and finely chopped, along with the whole cloves. Cooking the onion with the cloves helps infuse the rice with a fragrant, aromatic flavor. Add the basmati rice to the pan, stirring to coat the rice in the oil and onion mixture. Then, add the cinnamon stick and pour in 600g of water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover the pan with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

4. Cook the Curry Base
   While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 50g of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan or shallow saucepan. Peel and crush the garlic clove, adding it to the hot oil along with the chopped red onion (80g). Sauté the onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Then, pour in the white wine, letting it simmer and reduce for another 2–3 minutes until the liquid has almost evaporated.

5. Add the Spices
   Once the onions are tender and the wine has reduced, add the ground turmeric, curry powder, and hot paprika to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. The aroma of the spices will begin to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the rich flavors of the curry.

6. Cook the Pumpkin
   Add the diced pumpkin to the pan, stirring to combine it with the spiced onion mixture. Let the pumpkin cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Add the Water and Chickpeas
   Once the pumpkin has lightly browned, pour in the 50g of water, which will help cook the pumpkin through. Stir well, then cover the pan and let the pumpkin cook for about 10–15 minutes until it softens. When the water begins to evaporate, add the pre-soaked chickpeas to the pan. Season the curry with vegetable broth, and lower the heat to a simmer. Let the chickpeas and pumpkin cook together for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until both the pumpkin is tender and the chickpeas are soft. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Add Fresh Herbs and Adjust Seasoning
   Once the curry has cooked, add fresh thyme leaves to the pot, stirring gently to distribute the herbs throughout. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

9. Serve
   To serve, plate the curry along with the basmati rice. For an elegant presentation, you can mold the rice into small portions using a cup or a small bowl, creating a perfect mound on each plate. Garnish the dish with additional thyme sprigs if desired. The combination of the tender pumpkin, hearty chickpeas, and the aromatic rice makes for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This vegetarian curry with pumpkin and chickpeas is not only delicious and comforting but also offers a healthy dose of fiber and essential vitamins. The rich spices add a deep, savory flavor while the tender pumpkin and chickpeas create a satisfying base. Serve this with fluffy basmati rice, and you have a complete, nutritious meal that is perfect for any day of the week.

Try it today and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this delightful curry!