Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender cauliflower and chickpeas simmered gently in a rich coconut curry sauce spiced with cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables are sautéed before the coconut milk and broth create a creamy base. Garnished with cilantro and lime, this nourishing stew offers a comforting, plant-based option perfect for busy weeknights or wholesome meals.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:26:00 GMT
Steaming curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, a vibrant, fragrant Indian-inspired dinner ready to serve. Save
Steaming curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, a vibrant, fragrant Indian-inspired dinner ready to serve. | olivedune.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 have made this stew multiple times for my family and friends, and it never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.

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.
A close-up shot of the rich, creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, perfect with fresh cilantro. Save
A close-up shot of the rich, creamy curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, perfect with fresh cilantro. | olivedune.com

This stew brings warmth and togetherness to our dinner table, creating memorable family moments with each bite.

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 in the last few minutes for extra protein and nutrition.

Storage

Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy a warm bowl of flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, ideal for a vegan weeknight. Save
Enjoy a warm bowl of flavorful curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew, ideal for a vegan weeknight. | olivedune.com

This curried cauliflower and chickpea coconut stew is sure to become a favorite with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Cooking Questions & Answers

What spices create the core flavor?

Curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika combine for a fragrant and slightly smoky profile.

Can I make this stew oil-free?

Yes, sauté vegetables using water instead of oil to keep it light and suitable for various diets.

What are good variations for vegetables?

Swapping carrots or red bell peppers with sweet potato or zucchini works well and provides different textures.

How to thicken the stew if needed?

Simmer uncovered after adding chickpeas to reduce liquid and achieve desired consistency.

What to serve alongside for a complete meal?

Serve with basmati rice, naan, or quinoa to complement and complete the dish.

Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Coconut

A creamy blend of cauliflower, chickpeas, and coconut infused with aromatic, warming spices.

Prep Duration
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Duration
45 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Indian-Inspired

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Add 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. Stir frequently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 05

Combine Liquids and Season: Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

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 chickpeas and continue simmering uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes to thicken the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 08

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen for some individuals.
  • Ensure broth and curry powder are gluten-free and allergen-free by checking labels.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 310
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 9 g