Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meatless meal? This peanut chickpea curry with coconut rice is just what you need! Packed with rich, creamy peanut butter, chickpeas, and spinach, and served over fluffy coconut rice, it’s the perfect dish for Meatless Monday or any day of the week. The best part? You can make it all in just 20 minutes using only one pan! Even the meat lovers in your life will enjoy this delicious and hearty plant-based dish.
Method
Cook the Coconut Rice
To begin, add the rinsed jasmine rice and coconut milk into a small pot. Stir the rice and coconut milk together to ensure they’re well mixed. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-17 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside while you prepare the curry.
Prepare the Curry
While the rice is cooking, start working on the curry. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the red curry paste and mashed garlic to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors of the curry paste and garlic to develop. This step helps to bring out the rich, aromatic flavors of the curry.
Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet. Add the coconut sugar, coconut milk, soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option), and creamy peanut butter. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the peanut butter has melted and the coconut milk and peanut butter form a smooth, creamy sauce. This combination of ingredients will give your curry a rich and velvety texture with a sweet and savory flavor.
Cook the Chickpeas and Veggies
Next, add the drained chickpeas, chopped spinach, and cilantro to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want the spinach to wilt and the chickpeas to heat through, mixing in well with the creamy sauce. Once everything is combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat.
Serve and Garnish
To serve, place a generous scoop of the fluffy coconut rice on each plate, then top it with the peanut chickpea curry. For the finishing touch, garnish with chopped peanuts, a drizzle of chili crisp, and some freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a nice crunch, extra flavor, and a touch of color to your dish.
Necessary Tools
- Small pot for cooking rice
- Large skillet for curry
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving plates
Indian-Inspired Peanut Chickpea Curry with Coconut Rice: A Quick and Flavorful Meatless Meal
Cuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
For the Peanut Chickpea Curry:
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoons red curry paste
3 cloves garlic, mashed
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 14-oz can full-fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 14-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
For the Coconut Rice:
1 1/2 cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed well
1 14-oz can full-fat coconut milk
Garnish:
Chopped peanuts
Chili crisp
Chopped cilantro
Directions
- Cook the Coconut Rice:
Start by adding the rinsed jasmine rice and coconut milk to a small pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-17 minutes, or until the liquid has absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside. - Prepare the Curry:
While the rice is cooking, get your curry started. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the red curry paste and mashed garlic, stirring to combine. Let it cook for a minute to bring out the flavors. - Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
To the skillet, add the coconut sugar, coconut milk, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and peanut butter. Stir everything well until the peanut butter has melted into the coconut milk and the mixture is smooth. - Cook the Chickpeas and Veggies:
Add the drained chickpeas, chopped spinach, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Stir everything together until the spinach is wilted and well combined. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. - Serve and Garnish:
Serve the curry over the fluffy coconut rice, and garnish with chopped peanuts, chili crisp, and cilantro for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- When cooking the coconut rice, make sure to watch the pot closely once it starts boiling, as it can easily boil over if the heat is too high. Once you reduce the heat, don’t lift the lid while it’s cooking to keep the steam trapped inside. For the curry, stir occasionally to make sure the peanut butter melts evenly into the coconut milk. Be gentle when mixing the spinach into the curry, as it wilts quickly, and you don’t want it to overcook.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut chickpea curry with coconut rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of naan bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you’re craving more spice, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled coconut water or iced tea to complement the rich, creamy flavors.
Fun Fact
Did you know that chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world? They’re a staple in many cuisines, including Indian, and are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. So not only are they delicious, but they’re super nutritious too!
Conclusion
This peanut chickpea curry with coconut rice is a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for Meatless Monday or any day you’re craving a flavorful, plant-based meal. With rich peanut butter, creamy coconut milk, and hearty chickpeas, this dish will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of healthy ingredients. Enjoy the creamy goodness and let this meal bring some spice to your week!
