Easy Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry with Spinach (GF, Vegan)

Prepared in under 25 minutes, this one-pot Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry is filled with nourishing spices, healthy vegetables (no tomatoes) and an easy homemade spice blend.

It is the fourth time I’ve stared at my writing vaguely this week. Ideas, words and imagination lose me. The cursor blinks waiting for my words, a funny story, inspiring anecdote – nothing.

I share this with you only so that you remember you’re not alone. If you’ve been struggling with motivation, creativity, or if you’re generally not coping at the moment, it’s ok.

The global pandemic, the economy and the fear of the unknown creates uncertainty with our safety, our sense of control and the ability to physically connect with one another. With the lingering months and frequent changes in restrictions, I sympathise with the experience of helplessness, grief and exhaustion.

As I remind myself to move slowly, to remove the “shoulds”, and to remember the things I can influence, I gently immerse myself into restorative self-care practices. Please remember to give yourself permission to do the same for yourself. There is no “right” or ” wrong” way to practice self-care, it looks different to everyone.

SAFETY | What small actions could you take to make yourself feel safer? Perhaps it’s wrapping yourself tightly in your duvet, cuddling a pet, loved one, or listening to the morning birds sing. Or it could be running a warm bath or watching the trees dance in the wind from the comfort of your sofa.

CONNECT | If you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed, how can you connect with people closest to you? You can call a loved one through FaceTime, send a thoughtful hand-written note, or deliver a home-cooked gift like some delicious cookies to a friend. If you’re new to an area or don’t have people within your circle, the simple act of hugging yourself can be comforting or having a light-hearted talk with a neighbour.

CONTROL | Although we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. What actions could you take that would empower you? Like always, be mindful with what you consume (in body and the soul) to keep yourself grounded, healthy and well informed. This could be through acts of meditation, listening to a positive podcast, doing an at-home Pilates practice or by preparing a nourishing meal.

This Easy Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry recipe was crafted specifically for one of these moments of self-care. Not only is it simple to put together, but it’s also delicious and comforting. I’m sure you’re going to adore it! Now, let’s get cooking! 🙂 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• This recipe is prepared using one-pot making it a quick and speedy dinner with minimal clean up afterwards!
  
  
• Although this recipe is healthy filled with many nutritious ingredients, it is also hearty, comforting and perfect food for the soul.
  
  
• Suited for people with dietary requirements, this recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan making it a great dish to serve among friends and fussy bellies!

Healthy Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry: 

TURMERIC – Used in India for centuries for its medicinal properties, Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidant effects. Studies suggest Turmeric can prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and contains a compound that increases serotonin production in the brain. 

CAULIFLOWER – Cauliflower provides some powerful health benefits. It’s high in fibre and contains unique antioxidants that reduce inflammation and promote digestive health. 

GINGER & GARLIC – Both ginger and garlic are loaded with nutrients and medicinal properties. Ginger and Garlic contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, known to lower blood sugar and combat colds and infections. 

CHICKPEAS – Chickpeas are a fantastic legume to include to your meals. Chickpeas are high in protein, which helps maintain appetite, and are thought to have a low-calorie density for the nutrients they contain.

Recipe FAQ & Tips:

Alternative Recipe Ideas:

Curries are one of the most easily adaptable dishes you can prepare. Make this recipe your own by using any fresh veggies you have available. Some of my favourite variation and substitutions are:

• Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry with Potatoes – Add 3 medium-sized potatoes, cubed into small pieces.
  
  
• Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry with Yoghurt – Like many curries, this can be delicious served with a dollop of your favourite natural yoghurt.
  
  
• Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry with Peas – In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add 1 cup of fresh green peas! 

More Curry Recipes to Try:

• Vegetarian Balinese Yellow Curry
• Vegetable Curry Soup with Rice Noodles 
• Singapore Noodle Stir Fry

EASY CAULIFLOWER & CHICKPEA CURRY

Your next favourite veg recipe with cauliflower! Prepared in 25 minutes, this one-pot Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry with Spinach is not only gluten and dairy-free, it is vegan and completely delicious! 

4.74 from 23 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

Curry Spice Blend

• 1/2 red onion peeled, roughly chopped
• 4cm fresh ginger root peeled
• 3 garlic cloves peeled
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp sea salt

Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cauliflower washed, broken into small florets
• 1 cup (250ml) filtered water
• 1 (400ml) can coconut milk*
• 1 (400ml) can organic chickpeas
• 125 g organic spinach washed, roughly chopped
• handful coriander leaves (cilantro)
• brown rice to serve (optional)

Instructions:

Curry Spice Blend Method

• In a blender or food processor, blitz the red onion, ginger, garlic, curry powder and turmeric with 5 tbsp of water until a paste is formed. (If you don't have a blender, simply finely chop the onion, garlic and mince the ginger. Continue with the Instructions as usual).

Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry Method

• In a medium sized pot, warm the extra virgin oil. (Test the temperature of the oil by adding 1 cumin seed, it should crackle). Once the oil is warmed, add the cumin seeds and cook for approximately 1 minute. Add the Curry Spice Blend and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant and no liquid remains.
• Add the cauliflower florets and stir through the curry paste until well covered. Add the water and coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
• Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir through the spinach and coriander leaves until wilted.
• Serve with brown rice. Bon Appétit! 🙂

Notes:

* Coconut Milk – For a Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry without coconut milk, substitute with 400ml of soy milk.

Nutrition calculation does not include garnish or brown rice.

Nutrition: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Although Curated Life Studio attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered as estimates and do not replace or substitute a professional nutritionist’s advice.  

Nutrition:

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.9g | Protein: 9.2g | Fat: 26.6g | Saturated Fat: 17.2g | Sodium: 730mg | Fiber: 8.1g | Sugar: 4.2g | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 7mg

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you’re keeping healthy and well during these crazy times! 

I want to hear from you – what self-care practices are grounding you at the moment? Let me know in the comments section below. 🙂

Kylie - Curated Life Studio

Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!

I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.

When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.