Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This plant-based stew blends tender cauliflower florets and chickpeas in a rich coconut curry sauce. Aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and curry powder infuse each bite with warmth and depth. Onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, and red bell pepper build layers of flavor, while a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro brighten the dish. Simmered to a creamy texture, this easy, vegan, gluten-free meal pairs well with basmati rice or quinoa for a nourishing weeknight option.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:47:00 GMT
Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, ready to serve, vibrant with fresh cilantro. Pin
Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, ready to serve, vibrant with fresh cilantro. | potfuljoy.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 quickly became a family favorite for its comforting flavors and simple preparation.

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 34 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 58 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 steaming bowl of Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with colorful vegetables. Pin
A steaming bowl of Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with colorful vegetables. | potfuljoy.com

My family gathers around this stew every week, sharing stories and smiles over heaping bowls.

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

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

Close-up of a flavorful, creamy Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, ready to enjoy. Pin
Close-up of a flavorful, creamy Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, ready to enjoy. | potfuljoy.com

This curried stew is the perfect hearty dish to brighten up your meal rotation.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, sweet potato or zucchini can replace carrots or bell pepper to vary texture and flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add more chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies during cooking for extra heat tailored to your taste.

Is coconut milk essential in this dish?

Coconut milk provides creaminess and subtle sweetness, balancing the spices; light or full-fat versions both work well.

What can I serve alongside this stew?

It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, or quinoa for a complete, satisfying meal.

Can I add greens for extra nutrition?

Yes, tossing in spinach or kale in the last few minutes enhances both nutrition and color.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Tender cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in spiced coconut curry with fresh aromatics and herbs.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
30 min
Total time
45 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin Indian-Inspired

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free

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

Garnish

01 Fresh cilantro, chopped
02 Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast Spices: Mix in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir well.

Step 06

Simmer Stew: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve with Garnish: Dish out the stew hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains coconut; potential tree nut allergen for sensitive individuals
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Verify vegetable broth and curry powder labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 37 g
  • Protein: 9 g