Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Featured in: Family Comfort Meals

This curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew blends tender cauliflower florets and chickpeas into a fragrant, creamy base enriched with coconut milk and a blend of warming spices. Sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger build the foundation, while curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika add depth and aroma. Vegetables like carrots and bell peppers provide texture and sweetness. Simmered until melded, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and lime for brightness. Perfect for easy, plant-based dinners with a comforting Indian-inspired flair.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:10:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of creamy Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with fresh cilantro garnish. Pin this
A steaming bowl of creamy Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with fresh cilantro garnish. | plumoven.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

This stew has become a family favorite on busy weeknights I love how easy it is to prepare yet packed with flavor

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head, 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
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 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 34 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 58 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 photo shows a hearty Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, perfect for a cozy dinner. Pin this
This vibrant photo shows a hearty Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew, perfect for a cozy dinner. | plumoven.com

Sharing this stew around the dinner table always brings warmth and smiles to my family it’s a comforting dish that everyone enjoys

Serving Suggestions

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

Substitutions

Substitute sweet potato or zucchini for carrots or bell pepper if desired

Additions

For extra protein add a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking

Enjoy a spoonful of flavorful Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with tender vegetables and coconut. Pin this
Enjoy a spoonful of flavorful Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Coconut Stew with tender vegetables and coconut. | plumoven.com

This curried cauliflower and chickpea stew is a perfect quick comfort meal that’s healthy and flavorful

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to thicken this stew?

Simmering uncovered towards the end helps reduce excess liquid, naturally thickening the stew without added thickeners.

Can I substitute other vegetables for cauliflower?

Yes, vegetables like sweet potato or zucchini work well and add different textures and flavors to the dish.

How do I adjust the heat level?

Reduce or omit chili flakes for a milder version, or add more for extra spiciness according to taste.

What pairs well as sides with this dish?

Cooked basmati rice, naan bread, or quinoa complement the stew and create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Can I add leafy greens to boost nutrition?

Yes, stirring in spinach or kale in the last minutes of cooking adds nutrients and freshness without altering flavor.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Stew

Creamy coconut curry with cauliflower, chickpeas, and fragrant spices for an easy, flavorful plant-based main.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
30 min
Total Duration
45 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type Indian-Inspired

Servings made 4 Portions

Dietary details Plant-based, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

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 (8 fl oz) 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

Sauté onion: 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: Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast spices: Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 04

Cook vegetables: Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, and cauliflower florets. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently.

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 mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 07

Add chickpeas and thicken: Stir in drained chickpeas and simmer uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the stew to thicken. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 08

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains coconut (tree nut allergen for some individuals)
  • Naturally free of gluten and dairy
  • Check vegetable broth and curry powder labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g