Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This dish combines tender cauliflower florets and chickpeas in a rich coconut and tomato base, seasoned with curry, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. The mix simmers until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld, creating a creamy, fragrant stew. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, it pairs beautifully with rice or naan for a wholesome, plant-based dinner.

Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant spices, this hearty meal is naturally gluten- and dairy-free and suitable for vegan diets.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:48:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime. Save
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime. | forkina.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

I first made this stew on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite in our household simple ingredients with big flavors

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
  • Onion: 1 large finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece fresh grated
  • Carrot: 1 large diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can 400 g / 14 oz
  • Chickpeas: 1 can 400 g / 14 oz drained and rinsed
  • Coconut milk: 1 can 400 ml / 13.5 oz full-fat or light
  • Vegetable broth: 1 cup 240 ml
  • Curry powder: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp optional for heat
  • Salt: 1 tsp or to taste
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground to taste
  • Fresh cilantro: chopped for garnish
  • Lime wedges: for serving

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
This vibrant Indian-inspired curried cauliflower and chickpea stew is a creamy, plant-based delight. Pin it
This vibrant Indian-inspired curried cauliflower and chickpea stew is a creamy, plant-based delight. | forkina.com

This stew is perfect for sharing with family on chilly evenings creating warm comforting moments at the dinner table

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 for extra protein in the last few minutes of cooking

Storage Tips

Leftovers taste even better the next day store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

A close-up of a flavorful, budget-friendly serving of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew. Pin it
A close-up of a flavorful, budget-friendly serving of curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew. | forkina.com

This simple stew brings vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition effortlessly to your table

Frequently Asked Questions

What spices give the stew its flavor?

Curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes combine to create a warm, fragrant flavor profile.

Can I use other vegetables instead of cauliflower?

Yes, sweet potato or zucchini can replace the cauliflower or bell pepper for a different texture and flavor.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

Adding spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking boosts protein and adds leafy greens to the stew.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on broth and curry powder to ensure no hidden gluten is present.

What is the best way to serve this stew?

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, alongside basmati rice, naan, or quinoa for a balanced meal.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

A creamy blend of cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in spiced coconut sauce, perfect for easy dinners.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Indian-Inspired

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: 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 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 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 cooking. Sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Ginger: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute to release aromas.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper; stir to combine.

Step 06

Simmer Stew: Bring mixture to a 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 to thicken the stew. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains coconut (tree nut allergen for some individuals)
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Check broth and curry powder labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 9 g