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Chickpea Curry

17/11/2023

I can propose a recipe for a Chickpea Curry inspired by Indian cuisine with an Italian twist. This dish will be a tasty encounter between Eastern spices and Mediterranean ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of cooked chickpeas (or alternatively dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and then cooked)
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 400 g of peeled tomatoes (if possible, choose an Italian variety like San Marzano)
  • 1 fresh red chili pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • A bunch of fresh coriander (or parsley if you prefer a flavor closer to Italian tastes)
  • Water or vegetable broth (as needed)

Preparation

  1. In a large pot, heat a stream of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
  2. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and chili pepper and let sauté for a minute until their aromas are released.
  3. Add the spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin, and paprika) and mix well to slightly toast them.
  4. Pour the peeled tomatoes into the sauté and crush them with a wooden spoon to mince them.
  5. Add the cooked chickpeas and enough water or vegetable broth to achieve a creamy consistency.
  6. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding broth if the curry dries out too much.
  7. Salt to taste and, just before turning off the heat, add the chopped fresh coriander or parsley.
  8. Serve hot accompanied if you wish by naan bread, basmati rice, or, for an even more Italian touch, a nice piece of homemade bread.

Curiosity

Chickpea curry is a versatile dish that lends itself to numerous variations; for example, in Italy, it can be enriched with seasonal vegetables or even with sausage or pancetta for a more local version. Moreover, the term “curry” refers to a variety of dishes where spices are used abundantly, typical of Asian cuisine, especially Indian and Thai.

Chickpea Curry