Ingredients
Scale
Creating these dishes is about embracing simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delightful curry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and potatoes)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, to serve
As my mum used to say, recipes are just a guideline. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand or add a pinch more of your favorite spice to make this dish your own.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and golden, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of early mornings in the kitchen, sneaking a taste of whatever was simmering away.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder, cooking for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, allowing them to cook down for about 5 minutes until they start to break down. This is where the magic happens — the blend of spices and tomatoes creates a rich, aromatic base.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine. Add the mixed vegetables and chickpeas, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt to taste. If needed, adjust the spices to your preference, perhaps adding a touch more cinnamon, as my mum always did, to add that extra something special.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, just like we used to do back home to brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International