Smoky Tandoori Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry (Vegan)

Tandoori Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry Recipe (Vegan Curry)

If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, hearty, and aromatic vegan dish, then this Tandoori Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your meal light and nutritious. Combining the earthy goodness of chickpeas and the subtle sweetness of cauliflower with bold Indian spices, this curry brings a touch of smokiness to the table, reminiscent of tandoori-style cooking. Perfect for a wholesome dinner, it pairs beautifully with steaming hot rice or naan.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Servings: 4

Instructions

1. Preparing the Chickpeas:
   Start by soaking ½ cup of raw chickpeas in water for about 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, cook them in a pressure cooker or on the stove until tender. You should end up with about 1 cup of cooked chickpeas. Set this aside.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Kolhapuri Spinach Egg Curry (Palak Anda Curry)
   • 
     Cheesy Corn & Avocado Tostadas Recipe
   • 
     Vibrant Carrot and Broccoli Poriyal: A Wholesome South Indian Stir-Fry
   • 
     Sweet Potato Lentil Tacos with Cranberries and Avocado Dressing

2. Tomato Puree:
   If you don’t have ready-made tomato puree, blend fresh tomatoes until smooth, and set the puree aside.

3. Roasting Fennel Seeds:
   In a dry pan, roast 2 teaspoons of fennel seeds on medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Use a pestle and mortar to grind them into a coarse powder. Set this aside.

4. Cooking the Cauliflower:
   Heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil in a large wok or kadai (Indian frying pan) on medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Stir-fry the cauliflower for about 5-10 minutes, until they become tender but still firm and slightly browned on the edges.

5. Adding the Spices:
   Once the cauliflower is cooked, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder, and the freshly ground fennel seed powder. Stir well to coat the cauliflower evenly with the spices.

6. Tomato and Chickpea Addition:
   Add the 2 cups of tomato puree and 1 cup of cooked chickpeas to the wok. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients into a rich, thick curry base.

7. Simmering the Curry:
   Check the seasoning and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your taste. Let the curry simmer on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Smoking the Curry (Tandoori Style):
   To achieve that smoky, tandoori flavor, take a piece of coal about 3 inches in size and hold it with tongs over a gas flame until it turns red-hot and gray (approximately 5 minutes). Carefully place the hot coal in a small bowl (either steel or glass).

9. Infusing the Smoke:
   Make a small well in the center of the curry in the wok and place the coal bowl into the well. Add a spoonful of ghee onto the hot coal. It will immediately start to smoke. Quickly cover the wok with a lid, turn the heat to low, and let it sit for 1 minute to allow the smoke to infuse into the curry.

10. Finishing the Dish:
    After the smoking process, open the lid and remove the coal bowl. Stir the curry and transfer it into a serving dish. Sprinkle the finely chopped mint leaves over the curry for a refreshing flavor.

11. Serving:
    Serve your Tandoori Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry hot with steamed rice or naan for a complete and satisfying vegan meal. Pair it with a light salad to balance the richness of the curry.

Tips & Variations:

• For a richer flavor, you can substitute the sunflower oil with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
• If you don’t have coal for smoking, you can skip the smoking process, though it does add a unique flavor that is characteristic of traditional tandoori dishes.
• For extra heat, add green chilies along with the garlic when stir-frying the cauliflower.
• Frozen cauliflower florets can be used in place of fresh ones, though fresh cauliflower provides the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This Tandoori Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into an exciting and flavorful vegan dish. Its smoky undertone, courtesy of the traditional tandoori technique, makes it a memorable meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a comforting weeknight meal, this curry will surely be a crowd-pleaser!