Description
Chickpea and Potato Curry
This hearty vegan chickpea and potato curry is a budget-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor! Using simple store cupboard ingredients, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Mildly spiced with a hint of sweetness from mango chutney, it’s also ideal for kids. Add spinach for extra nutrition or adjust the spices for more heat – this curry is versatile and absolutely delicious!
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2cm fresh ginger, grated
2 firm potatoes, cubed
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric
400g chopped tomatoes
400g chickpeas, drained
2 tbsp mango chutney
300ml vegetable stock
2 tsp garam masala
100g fresh spinach
Directions:
1. Cook onions until soft.
2. Add garlic, ginger, potatoes, and spices.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, chutney, stock, and simmer.
4. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Prep Time: 10 min
Kcal: 345 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
2. Add the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and cubed potatoes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Stir vigorously for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and coat the potatoes.
4. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, drained chickpeas, mango chutney, and vegetable stock. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Stir in the garam masala and fresh spinach. Cook for a final 2-3 minutes, uncovered, until the spinach has completely wilted. Season with salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This curry is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, try it with quinoa. A dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a lovely fresh contrast. A side of tangy lime pickle or extra mango chutney complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this curry is built in layers: sauté onions, bloom spices with potatoes, simmer everything in tomatoes and stock, and finish with garam masala and spinach. The key is allowing enough time for the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld during the simmering stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this curry in advance? Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
How can I make this curry spicier? Add a finely chopped fresh chili with the onions, or include 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper with the other ground spices.
What can I use instead of mango chutney? A tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup can provide the needed sweetness, though you’ll lose the fruity complexity.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely. Sweet potatoes will cook slightly faster and add a different, sweeter dimension to the dish.
Is this curry freezer-friendly? It freezes very well. Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid rushing the first step—properly softening the onions builds a flavor foundation. Do not skip cooking the ground spices for a full minute; this “blooms” them, deepening their taste. Ensure your potato cubes are roughly the same size for even cooking. Finally, do not add the garam masala too early; adding it at the end preserves its delicate aroma.
Conclusion
This Chickpea and Potato Curry is the epitome of a satisfying, nutritious, and flexible weeknight meal. It proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary depth of flavor. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a comforting vegan dish that will become a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.