Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Quick Cozy Meals

This comforting stew features tender cauliflower florets and chickpeas simmered in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. Aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric blend with fresh ginger and garlic to create a warming base. Vegetables including carrot and bell pepper add sweetness and depth, while a splash of lime and fresh cilantro provide bright finishing touches. Perfect for a wholesome, plant-based dinner, this easy, gluten-free dish pairs well with rice or naan.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:06:00 GMT
Steaming hot, aromatic curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew served with fresh cilantro and lime. Pin It
Steaming hot, aromatic curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew served with fresh cilantro and lime. | fordish.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 stew has become a family favorite with its comforting spices and creamy texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets, 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1-inch piece fresh ginger grated, 1 large carrot diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • Coconut & Liquids: 1 can (400 ml / 13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat or light), 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat), 1 tsp salt (or to taste), freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Garnish: 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, perfect for a cozy vegan dinner. Pin It
A vibrant bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, perfect for a cozy vegan dinner. | fordish.com

Sharing this stew at family dinners has created many warm memories filled with laughter and happy bellies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cooked basmati rice, naan, or quinoa for a complete meal.

Variations

Substitute sweet potato or zucchini for carrots or bell pepper if desired. Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra protein.

Storage

Leftovers taste even better the next day and store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Earthy, complex flavors of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew with hints of spice. Pin It
Earthy, complex flavors of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew with hints of spice. | fordish.com

Enjoy this hearty stew as a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes, sweet potato or zucchini can be substituted for cauliflower to vary textures and flavors.

How can I make this stew spicier?

Adding extra chili flakes or a diced fresh chili pepper during cooking will increase the heat.

Is it necessary to use coconut milk?

Coconut milk adds creaminess and subtle sweetness, but you can substitute with cashew cream or another plant-based milk if preferred.

What dishes pair well with this stew?

Serve it alongside basmati rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread for a complete meal experience.

Can I prepare this stew oil-free?

Yes, sauté the vegetables in water or vegetable broth instead of oil to keep it oil-free.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

A creamy, spiced stew with cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in coconut milk and vibrant spices.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-Inspired

Result 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1-inch piece 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 (240 ml) 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

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil or a few tablespoons of water for an oil-free option. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast spices: Incorporate curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, and cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine liquids and seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Add chickpeas and thicken: Stir in the drained chickpeas and continue simmering uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Serve with garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Verify vegetable broth and curry powder labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 310
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g