Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Healthy Meals

This comforting stew combines tender cauliflower florets and chickpeas simmered slowly in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. Aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and curry powder layer the dish with warmth and depth. Fresh ginger and garlic add zing, while diced tomatoes and vegetable broth enrich the base. Garnished with cilantro and a squeeze of lime, it offers a creamy, spiced experience perfect for cozy dinners. Easily adaptable and naturally vegan and gluten-free, it pairs well with rice or naan.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:18:00 GMT
Creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, garnished with cilantro, ready to be devoured fresh. Save
Creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, garnished with cilantro, ready to be devoured fresh. | berrycottage.com

A fragrant, creamy plant-based stew featuring tender cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in a spiced coconut curry sauce. Perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight meal.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it is both comforting and easy to prepare on busy nights.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • Carrot: 1 large carrot, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can 400 g / 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • Chickpeas: 1 can 400 g / 14 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Coconut milk: 1 can 400 ml / 13.5 oz coconut milk full-fat or light
  • Vegetable broth: 1 cup 240 ml vegetable broth
  • Curry powder: 2 tbsp curry powder
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional for heat
  • Salt: 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped
  • Lime wedges:

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or a few tablespoons of water for oil-free. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Step 4:
Add carrot, bell pepper, and cauliflower florets. Cook for 3 4 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5:
Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir in salt and pepper.
Step 6:
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 7:
Stir in chickpeas and simmer uncovered for 5 8 minutes more, allowing the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
A vibrant bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew offers warmth and spice. Save
A vibrant bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew offers warmth and spice. | berrycottage.com

This stew always brings my family together around the dinner table for a warm and hearty meal.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains coconut tree nut allergen for some. Naturally gluten free and dairy free.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 310, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 37 g, Protein 9 g

Spoonful of flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, perfect for chilly evenings. Save
Spoonful of flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, perfect for chilly evenings. | berrycottage.com

Serve this stew hot with your favorite grain and enjoy the vibrant flavors with every bite.

Recipe FAQ

What vegetables can I substitute in this dish?

Try swapping carrots or bell peppers with sweet potatoes or zucchini for variation without altering cooking time much.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, omit or reduce chili flakes for a milder stew or add more for extra heat.

How long should the stew simmer?

Simmer covered for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender, then uncovered 5-8 minutes to thicken.

What garnishes complement this stew?

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the flavors beautifully.

Are there options to increase protein content?

Add a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and protein.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

A creamy plant-based stew with cauliflower, chickpeas, and aromatic spices simmered in coconut milk.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage Indian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1-inch fresh ginger piece, grated
05 1 large carrot, diced
06 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
08 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Coconut & Liquids

01 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, full-fat or light
02 1 cup vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp curry powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
06 1 tsp salt, or to taste
07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges

Directions

Direction 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or a few tablespoons of water for oil-free cooking. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened.

Direction 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Direction 03

Toast Spices: Incorporate curry powder, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes; cook 1 minute to toast the spices.

Direction 04

Cook Vegetables: Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, and cauliflower florets. Stir often and cook for 3–4 minutes.

Direction 05

Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir in salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Direction 06

Simmer Stew: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Direction 07

Incorporate Chickpeas and Thicken: Add chickpeas to the pot and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes until stew thickens. Adjust seasoning as desired.

Direction 08

Serve: Plate the stew hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Necessary tools

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals. Verify broth and curry powder labels for hidden gluten or allergens. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g