Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Bold Weeknight Flavors

This hearty, plant-based stew combines tender cauliflower, chickpeas, and vibrant spices simmered in creamy coconut milk. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, and curry powder build layers of flavor, while diced tomatoes and vegetable broth create a luscious base. The dish is finished with fresh cilantro and lime for brightness. Perfect for a nourishing, easy-to-make meal that suits vegan and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:16:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Save to Pins
Steaming bowl of curried cauliflower and chickpea stew, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. | spicra.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 love making this stew on busy nights because it comes together quickly and fills the house with amazing aromas

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 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
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| spicra.com

This stew has become a family favorite especially on cold evenings when we gather around the table to enjoy its warmth and flavor

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute sweet potato or zucchini for carrots or bell pepper for a different twist Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra protein and greens

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cooked basmati rice naan or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal

A hearty, flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew with vibrant red bell peppers. Save to Pins
A hearty, flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew with vibrant red bell peppers. | spicra.com

This stew is as versatile as it is delicious making it a staple recipe you will return to again and again

Questions & Answers

Can I substitute vegetables in this stew?

Yes, you can swap carrots or bell peppers with sweet potatoes or zucchini to adjust texture and flavor.

What level of heat does this stew have?

The spiced blend includes mild chili flakes for optional heat, which can be adjusted or omitted to suit preferences.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

Adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes boosts protein and adds fresh greens without altering the flavor profile.

Is the stew gluten and dairy free?

Yes, this stew naturally avoids gluten and dairy; just ensure broth and spice mixes are free of hidden allergens.

What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve hot alongside basmati rice, naan, or quinoa to complete the meal and soak up the flavorful sauce.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Fragrant cauliflower and chickpeas simmered in a rich, spiced coconut curry for a comforting dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Bold Weeknight Flavors

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Indian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the aromas.

Step 04

Cook vegetables: Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, and cauliflower florets. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly softened.

Step 05

Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir in salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Add chickpeas and thicken: Stir in drained chickpeas and continue simmering uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 08

Serve garnished: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot.

Necessary Tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains coconut, which may be a tree nut allergen for some individuals. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Verify labels on broth and curry powder for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g