This is a classic coconut curry with tender cauliflower and soft chickpeas thats all made in one pot and has a simple mix of spices. That sauce is super addictive and you'll love how easy it is to make. It's vegan and gluten free, but you can easily add chicken or shrimp if you prefer meat.
I have an incredible number of cookbooks that I don't use as often as I should. And I recently ordered another one, written by a super sweet blogger friend Asha from Food Fashion Party called Masala and Meatballs. I was rifling through the book and taking in the beautiful photographs and writing when I noticed this super simple Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut Curry and I just couldn't get past it.
It sounded so easy and yet, I knew that it'd be packed with flavor because it was Asha's recipe. She has the most amazing Indian inspired recipes on her website and she always finds a way to use spices to add magic to western food.
This curry definitely has its roots in India, but the beauty is how flavorful it is with such few ingredients.
I have to warn you though. I went to the dark side with this recipe and used Curry Powder. If you've ever discussed curry with an Indian, you'll know that we don't have anything called 'curry powder'. And there is no real generic spice mix except garam masala.
But I've been so curious about this that I picked up a box sometime ago and got quite addicted to it. I use it in scrambled eggs, and to spice hummus and recently in this cauliflower chickpea coconut curry.
If you are curious about it, I use the 'hot' version of this curry powder, but it's not available on Amazon right now and I think this curry powder is pretty close in flavor.
Spices in this Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut Curry
We are using only three main spices in this cauliflower chickpeas coconut curry - turmeric, curry powder and paprika (or red chilli powder). If you don't have access to curry powder, substitute it with 1 tablespoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder. These simple spices go a long way in flavoring this curry and adding a nice punch to the sauce.
What else can I use in a coconut curry?
The base of this curry is coconut which is flavored with onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic. When the spices go in, you have a fragrant sauce that's perfect with rice or rotis. I loved the combination of chickpeas and cauliflower, but other vegetables that work well are beans, mushrooms, potatoes and carrots. If you like to add more protein, experiment with tofu, paneer, chicken and shrimp. The cooking times will vary for each of these. For example, potatoes need to be simmered for at least 15-20 minutes to cook them properly. Chicken (cut into small pieces), will also take 20 minutes to cook, but if you are using shrimp to make a coconut shrimp curry, cook them for 7-8 minutes.
No matter what you add to it, you can't go wrong with this coconut curry! It's punchy, full of flavour and you will literally need 30 minutes to prep and cook.
More Recipes with Coconut:
- Coconut Rice Stir Fry
- Goan Prawn Curry with Coconut
- Kerala Mutton Stew (Ishtu) with Coconut
- Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry
- Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Noodle Soup
- Stovetop Coconut Caramel Custard
Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Ginger grated
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- ½ cup Tomato Puree
- ¾ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 3 tablespoons Curry Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder or chilli flakes or paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups Cauliflower Florets cut into 2 inch pieces (approx 1 medium sized head of Cauliflower)
- 1 ½ cups Chickpeas cooked
- 8-10 Cherry Tomatoes optional
- ¾ cup Water
- 2 cups Thick Coconut Milk approx 1 can
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start spluttering, add garlic, ginger and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes till the onions start turning slightly brown.
- Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, curry powder, chilli powder and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes till the tomato puree reduces a bit and the whole thing starts looking like a paste.
- Add cauliflower, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes (if using), water and coconut milk. Bring this to a simmer, and cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes till the cauliflower is fork tender but hasn't turned mushy.
- Taste and adjust salt, and turn off the heat. Top with chopped coriander if you like and serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- Fresh tomatoes work well in this curry. Swap the tomato puree for 2 finely chopped tomatoes, but the curry may not be so smooth.
- To add meat: Swap the chickpeas with 500g/ 1lb chicken (cut into 1 inch pieces) with your favorite veggies, and simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes.
- If using shrimp, use 500g / 1 lb prawns / shrimp and cook the shrimp for 8 minutes. Cook the veggies in the sauce first for 10 minutes, and throw in the shrimp later because shrimp cooks really fast.
- I use Bolst's curry powder for this recipe and I've seen it at most super markets.
Nutrition
1
Kelly Mc says
I added Patty pan to this dish. Love it.
Shirley Addams says
Hi, What is Patty Pan? Thanks.
Elaine says
Love it😀 made it onto weekly rotation😀
Richa says
Wohooo
Emma says
Absolutely delicious every time. My husband says this is his favourite meatless curry.
Michelle says
I absolutely love this recipe I’ve made this dish about 50 times delicious
Richa Gupta says
Hey Michelle! I agree, this is one of my favourites too! Thanks for leaving us a comment 🙂
Emma says
Fabulous recipe. I've made this several times and it always turns out well. My husband said of all the veggie curries I make this is definitely his favorite.
Richa says
Wohooo!
Emma says
This was so tasty and really easy to make. I added a couple of carrots and some mushrooms. Didn't have any cherry tomatoes so I left them out. I'll definitely be making this again and again. Thank you!
Richa says
Thank you so much Emma! So glad you enjoyed this recipe
Divine says
Hi, this recipe looks amazing! Is there any other way I can substitute the thick coconut milk? I don’t like coconut, so I was wondering if I can use regular milk instead?
Richa says
Hey! You can substitute the coconut milk with cream. Milk won't have the same effect.
Donna says
Hi! Happy New Year! I’m writing from New Zealand! Will this freeze well? Our family is going camping in two weeks time and my 17 yr old daughter has made the choice to become a vegetarian. Although this makes catering a wee bit tricky (our camping meals have been fairly meat based) id like to prepare a few things ahead. How does one order Asha’s book? Kindest regards, Donna
Richa says
Hey Donna, I'm sorry if my reply is coming a bit late. Yes, this curry will freeze well. So you should be able to take it on your camping trip. And you can order Asha's book on Amazon. Happy camping!
Nilesh pandey says
Wow very nice
Richa says
Thank you!
Asha Shiva says
Oh my god, girl, thanks so so much for the love and this beauty. I am blow away. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. I'm so glad you loved it.
XO
Richa says
It was such an incredible recipe Asha that it was easy to fall in love with it. Your book is fabulous!
Martha says
What a wonderful idea for a simple curry I have to try it thank you very much
Richa says
Thanks Martha!