| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 283 | 13g | 7g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 9g | 9g | 0.6g |
Why I Love American Sweet Potato and Chickpea Coconut Curry
Drawing inspiration from one of my favorite chefs, Jamie Oliver, when the temperatures start cooling off, I find myself craving the warmth and comfort of a bowl of Sweet Potato and Chickpea Coconut Curry. This dish is a deliciously hearty amalgamation of vibrant Tex-Mex influences and Southern American flavors, creating a mouthwatering blend that resonates with my culinary style. It’s a fantastic meeting of cultures on your palate, just as comforting as a traditional chili or stew.
Exploring Texture and Flavor
The Sweet Potato and Chickpea Coconut Curry is a dish that offers both a banquet of flavors and a wonderful variety of textures. The sweetness and softness of the sweet potatoes perfectly balances the slight crunchiness of chickpeas, while the rich, creamy coconut milk adds a layer of luxuriousness to the mixture. The addition of fresh and earthy spinach introduces a touch of bitterness which pairs beautifully with the spicy zing of the ginger and curry. It’s a fine balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that takes your tastebuds on a thrilling adventure.
Pairing Options and Special Notes
Upon serving this delectable curry, don’t forget the finishing touch of cilantro. This bright, fresh addition adds another layer of complexity to the dish and makes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. As for pairing, this velvety curry is versatile. It works wonderfully with a side of naan bread for soaking up the creamy curry, or perhaps a cool cucumber salad to negate some of the curry’s heat. Furthermore, this hearty curry embodies flavors that are reminiscent of other classic Southern American stews and chilies, making for a uniquely flavorful twist to traditional dinnertime staples.
Again, inspired by Jamie Oliver’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into flavorful creations, I encourage you to play around with this recipe, adjusting ingredients to suit your personal liking. But always remember to follow the key principle – balance. It’s all about creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite, creating a meal that warms not just your belly, but also your heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 cup dry brown rice, cooked
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Step Two
Add the chopped onion into the pot and sauté until it becomes transparent and soft. Then, add in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
Step Three
Now, stir in 2 tablespoons of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, ensuring the onion mixture is well-coated with the spices.
Step Four
Next, add the peeled and diced sweet potato into the pot. Stir well so that the sweet potatoes are coated with the curry mixture.
Step Five
Mix in the rinsed chickpeas, followed by the coconut milk, and then pour in the vegetable broth. Let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step Six
Once it starts to simmer, decrease the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft.
Step Seven
Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, and the baby spinach. Stirring well, let the curry continue to simmer until the spinach wilts.
Step Eight
Season the curry with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Step Nine
Serve the curry over the cooked dry brown rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Step Ten
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Sweet Potato and Chickpea Coconut Curry! It’s the perfect vegetarian comfort dish, packed full of flavor and nutrition.
