Chickpea Coconut Curry Kadala Recipes

Steps:

• If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight in plenty of water, then drain.
• Place soaked chickpeas in a large pot with plenty of fresh water, bring to the boil for 15 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour, or until chickpeas are tender.
• Alternatively you can pressure-cook the dried chickpeas according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• When the chickpeas are cooked, or if you are using canned chickpeas, put them aside.
• Next, heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat, and dry-roast the desiccated coconut, reducing heat as necessary- it is important to stir continuously, as the coconut will readily catch and burn.
• As soon as the coconut starts to brown remove the skillet from the heat, and immediately place the coconut in a blender bowl- if left in the skillet it will become dark brown and bitter.
• Add ginger, turmeric, chilli, coriander powder and a little water to the blender bowl and grind to a fine paste.
• Heat the oil in a clean pan and saute mustard seeds until they start to pop and release their aroma.
• Add onion and curry leaves and saute and stir a further minute or two.
• Add coconut paste and cooked chickpeas, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if necessary.
• Add 1 cup coconut milk and simmer for a further 10-15 minutes.
• Serve with rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Steps:

• To make the paste, heat a little of the 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan, add 1 diced onion and 1 tsp fresh or dried chilli, and cook until softened, about 8 mins.
• In a food processor, combine 9 garlic cloves, a thumb-sized piece of peeled ginger and the remaining oil, then add 1 tbsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp garam masala, 2 tbsp tomato purée, ½ tsp salt and the fried onion. Blend to a smooth paste - add a drop of water or more oil, if needed.
• Cook the paste in a medium saucepan for 2 mins over a medium-high heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick.
• Tip in two 400g cans drained chickpeas and a 400g can chopped tomatoes, and simmer for 5 mins until reduced down.
• Add 100g creamed coconut with a little water, cook for 5 mins more, then add ½ small pack chopped coriander and 100g spinach, and cook until wilted.
• Garnish with extra coriander and serve with rice or dhal (or both).