Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut

Featured in: Fun Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in a fragrant coconut curry sauce made with cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh cilantro enhance the depth of flavor. The stew is easy to prepare, nutritious, and naturally vegan and gluten-free. Served with rice or naan, it makes a comforting, plant-based main that balances creaminess and spice effortlessly. Perfect for weeknight cooking with wholesome, budget-friendly ingredients.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:24:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, topped with fresh cilantro garnish. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, topped with fresh cilantro garnish. | chomzo.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.

I started making this stew on busy weeknights and it quickly became a family favorite because it is both flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into florets
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
  • Carrot: 1 large, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz)
  • Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g / 14 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Coconut milk: 1 can (400 ml / 13.5 oz), full-fat or light
  • Vegetable broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Curry powder: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp optional for heat
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Black pepper: freshly ground, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges: for serving

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.
Creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea stew with vibrant red bell peppers, perfect for a vegan meal. Save to Pinterest
Creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea stew with vibrant red bell peppers, perfect for a vegan meal. | chomzo.com

This stew often sparks warm family dinners especially on chilly nights when everyone wants something hearty and nutritious.

Notes

Serve with cooked basmati rice naan or quinoa for a complete meal Substitute sweet potato or zucchini for carrots or bell pepper if desired For extra protein add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking Leftovers taste even better the next day

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Nutritional Information

Calories 310 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 9 g

A flavorful, warming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, served with a lime wedge. Save to Pinterest
A flavorful, warming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, served with a lime wedge. | chomzo.com

This flavorful stew is perfect for meal prep and gets better the next day.

Common Questions

What spices give this stew its flavor?

The blend of curry powder, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes creates the aromatic and warm flavor profile.

Can I substitute vegetables in this dish?

Yes, sweet potato or zucchini can replace carrots or bell pepper for a different texture and taste.

Is this stew suitable for dietary restrictions?

It's naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but check labels on broth and curry powder for hidden allergens.

How can I add extra greens to this dish?

Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking to boost nutrition and color.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or quinoa to complete the meal.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut

Fragrant stew with cauliflower, chickpeas, and coconut in a spiced curry base, ideal for simple nourishing dinners.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Author Maya Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegan-friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

Required Ingredients

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, 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

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or water and sauté the chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 04

Cook Vegetables: Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, and cauliflower florets. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 05

Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 06

Incorporate Chickpeas and Thicken: Stir in drained chickpeas and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Look at the ingredient list to spot allergens. If you have questions, ask a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Check broth and curry powder labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These facts are just for your reference and not substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g