Vegan Chickpeas and Broccoli Curry Recipe
A delightful and nutritious fusion of chickpeas and broccoli, this Vegan Chickpeas and Broccoli Curry is a perfect comfort food. It brings together the earthy flavors of chickpeas with the healthy crunch of broccoli, all simmered in aromatic spices. This curry is ideal for those seeking a hearty yet healthy vegan meal, and it pairs wonderfully with flatbreads or rice.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Cinnamon stick | 1-inch piece |
Cloves | 2 cloves |
Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana) | 1 cup |
Broccoli | 1 cup (chopped) |
Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
Tomato | 1 medium, chopped |
Ginger-garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | As per taste |
Water | 1 cup |
Fresh coriander leaves | A handful, chopped |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegan
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Start by soaking the chickpeas (Kabuli Chana) in water for at least 1 hour. After soaking, pressure cook them for about 3 hours or until they are tender. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Once the chickpeas are cooked, set aside 1/4 cup of the cooked chickpeas and blend them into a smooth paste using a blender.
-
Prepare the Curry Base:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick and cloves, and sauté for about 10 seconds until they release their fragrance.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it release its aroma.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until the tomatoes soften and break down, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the tomatoes are cooked, add red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to the pan. Mix everything well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices infuse.
-
Add Chickpeas and Simmer:
- Now, add the cooked chickpeas and the chickpea paste to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Blanch the Broccoli:
- While the curry is simmering, bring a separate saucepan of water to a boil. Add the chopped broccoli and blanch it for about 2 minutes.
- Once done, drain the broccoli and immediately rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
-
Combine and Cook:
- After the curry has simmered, gently stir in the blanched broccoli and mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb some of the curry’s flavors.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish the curry with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with tawa paratha or rice, and a side of boondi raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and cumin powder based on your spice tolerance.
- Chickpeas: If you are short on time, canned chickpeas can be used as a substitute for dried ones.
- Broccoli: If you prefer a more tender broccoli, you can cook it for a longer time in the curry base rather than blanching it separately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 7g |
Fat | 5g |
Sodium | 450mg |
Potassium | 400mg |
Vitamin A | 120 IU |
Vitamin C | 55 mg |
This Vegan Chickpeas and Broccoli Curry is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas and packed with vitamins from broccoli, it’s not just healthy but also full of flavor. Whether you’re following a vegan diet or just looking for a lighter, plant-based meal, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy it with some flatbread or steamed rice to round off a delightful meal!