Chickpea Coconut Curry Recipes

Steps:

• Rinse chickpeas under cold running water. Place in a bowl and cover with at least 4 cups of cold water. Soak for 12 to 24 hours.
• Drain chickpeas and place in a large pot. Pour in enough water to cover chickpeas by 2 inches. Add halved onion and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a high simmer. Cook for a few minutes until a foam forms at the top. Skim off the foam and cook, covered, until chickpeas are soft, 40 to 60 minutes.
• Remove from heat, season with salt, and set aside. Do not drain so chickpeas don't dry out.
• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and ginger. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
• Drain chickpeas, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid. Add drained chickpeas to the sauteed onion mixture and stir until well coated with the spices. Cook until chickpeas are a little bit crisp, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add 2 cups of chickpea cooking liquid and coconut milk to the pot. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until curry has thickened to your desired consistency and flavors have started to come together, 40 to 60 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide curry amongst bowls and top with yogurt and cilantro.

Steps:

• Wash the rice a couple of times in cold running water, then leave to soak while you make the curry. Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a deep frying pan, and fry the onion for 10 mins until soft, but not turning golden.
• Add the garlic and fry for 1 min, then tip in the turmeric, cumin, garam masala and chilli powder, and toast for 30 seconds, stirring. Add the coconut milk and chickpeas. Simmer for 15 mins until the sauce has reduced slightly.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining ½ tbsp oil in a small pan with the cloves, cinnamon and a pinch of turmeric. Stir until the mixture smells fragrant. Drain the rice and add to the spices, stirring well to coat in the oil. Pour in 600ml boiling water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 10 mins, without removing the lid.
• About 5 mins before the end of the curry's cooking time, stir in the spinach and break it up with a wooden spoon as it defrosts. Season well. Add the tamarind or lime juice to balance the sweetness of the curry. Serve in bowls with the fragrant, steaming rice, removing the large spices as you serve. Top with a pinch of the desiccated coconut, if using.

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.