This Spicy Chickpea Delight is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and a touch of heat, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 grams) dried chickpeas
- Water for soaking
- Vegetable oil
- 1 red onion (250 grams), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) grated ginger
- Hot pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon paprika or chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
- 3 tomatoes (350 grams), pureed
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
Soak the Chickpeas:
- Soak Chickpeas:
- Place 1 cup of dried chickpeas in a bowl.
- Cover the chickpeas with water and let them soak overnight.
Cook the Chickpeas:
- Cook Chickpeas:
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and discard the soaking water.
- Transfer the chickpeas to a pressure cooker.
- Add fresh water to cover the chickpeas.
- Cook the chickpeas in the pressure cooker over high heat for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 40 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Spicy Base:
- Prepare Spicy Base:
- Heat a pot or wok over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil.
- Add the finely chopped red onion to the pot and sauté until caramelized.
- Stir in the grated garlic, ginger, and hot pepper (if using), and cook for a minute.
- Sprinkle in the paprika or chili powder, cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, and salt.
- Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and let them cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Create the Creamy Chickpea Base:
- Creamy Chickpea Base:
- Take one-fourth of the cooked chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor.
- Add some of the water used to boil the chickpeas to the food processor.
- Blend the mixture into a smooth puree.
Bring It All Together:
- Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the chickpea puree into the pot with the spicy base, stirring to combine.
- Add the remaining cooked chickpeas to the pot.
- Pour some of the water used to boil the chickpeas into the pot to achieve the desired consistency.
- Cook the chickpeas over low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the chopped coriander and stir well.
Prepare the Butter Garnish:
- Butter Garnish:
- In a separate pan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Sprinkle in a little paprika or chili powder and mix well.
- Remove from heat.
Final Touches:
- Final Touches:
- Pour the butter garnish into the pot with the chickpeas, stirring gently.
- Transfer the flavorful chickpea delight to a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chili powder on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with rice, naan, or flatbread.
- Garnish with additional fresh coriander and a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for the best texture.
- Adjust the spices to your taste preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber.
- The dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes, onions, and spices.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Can be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s packed with bold and aromatic flavors.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
Enjoy this Spicy Chickpea Delight as a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Bon appétit!