Craving a flavorful, satisfying, and entirely plant-based meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry! Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chickpeas, and a fiery, aromatic sauce, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick and healthy lunch. Forget complicated cooking techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. The spicy kick is customizable to your preference, allowing you to tailor the heat to your liking.
This vibrant stir-fry is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, brimming with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Forget takeout; this recipe empowers you to create a restaurant-quality meal at home, saving both money and time. Ready to experience the deliciousness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry!
Tools Needed
- Small pan
- Mixer or mortar and pestle
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- Cooked chickpeas: 1.5-2 cups (or 3/4-1 cup dried, soaked overnight and pressure cooked)
- Shallots: 10-12, finely chopped
- Onions: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Coconut oil: 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
- Dried red chilies: 2, broken into pieces
- Kashmiri red chili powder: 2 tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, crushed
- Freshly grated coconut: 1/4 - 1/2 cup
- Curry leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Spices
- Crush shallots and garlic into a coarse paste using a mixer or mortar and pestle.
- Heat coconut oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Add mustard seeds and once they crackle, add dried red chilies and curry leaves. Sauté briefly.
- Add the shallot-garlic paste, chopped onions, and green chilies. Sauté until onions are slightly golden, adding salt.
- Reduce heat to low. Add turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chili powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw taste of spices is gone.
Step 2. Cook Chickpeas and Season
- Add cooked chickpeas and sauté until well coated with spices.
- Check seasoning and add more salt if needed. Cover and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3. Finish with Coconut and Fresh Herbs
- Stir in freshly grated coconut and sauté briefly. Add fresh curry leaves.
Step 4. Serve
- Remove from heat.
Read more: Easy Instant Bell Pepper Snack Recipe | Healthy & Flavorful
Tips
- If you dislike garlic, omit it and use only shallots.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your spice preference.
- Adding coconut gives a slightly sweet touch.
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 70g
- Protein: 18g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Canned chickpeas are perfectly fine to use. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the stir-fry.
2. How can I make this spicier or milder?
To make it spicier, add more chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes altogether.
This Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry is a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegan cooking can be. Enjoy this flavorful and healthy meal, knowing you've created a quick, easy, and impressive dish with minimal effort. Now go forth and spice up your life!