Warming spices, aromatic ginger and garlic, saucy deliciousness. A quick and easy weeknight meal. Simmer chickpeas in a large pot with pureed tomatoes, spices and steeped black tea. Cook up a pot of rice and you’ll be eating a hearty comforting meal, better than any take out chickpeas in no time at all.
There are days when I’m feeling lazy. When cooking dinner is something I don’t even want to think about. On those days the thought of eating at a restaurant is tempting. Yet, when I actually consider the situation, I soon realize that I can easily make something delicious at home. Often in the same amount of time (or less) than it would take to go out for food, and I can control exactly what’s in it. Eating homemade food is always more satisfying in the end, and usually worth any amount of effort.
Curried Chickpeas
yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
spice mix:
- 3 Bay leaves
- 3/4 tsp. ground Cardamom
- 2 tsp. ground Coriander
- 1 tsp. Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. ground Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. Cayenne
- pinch ground Cloves
curried chickpeas:
- 3 Tbsp. Oil (I used olive oil)
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin seeds
- 1 Yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3″ piece Ginger, minced
- 1 1/2 cup Tomato puree (I used about half 28oz. can whole tomatoes – I puree them and freeze whatever I’m not using)
- 3 x 14oz. can Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups Water, boiled
- 6 Black tea bags
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- White rice, cooked
- Cilantro, for garnish
Prepare spice mix by stirring ingredients together in a small bowl.
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and pour over tea bags. Let steep for 4 minutes, then discard tea bags.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast in oil for about 1 minute. Stir in diced onion, cook until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
Stir in ginger and garlic, let cook 1 minute. Then stir in spice mixture and cook for another minute. Add pureed tomatoes and simmer until saucy and thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add chickpeas and steeped black tea to the pot and stir. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with more salt to taste.
Serve over white rice and garnish with chopped cilantro.