So we both ordered the curry. It was absolutely loaded with steamed veggies, really filling and super tasty so I decided to remake it at home with my own twist. It actually reminded me a lot of this vegan ramen I made last year that everybody loved. A must make!
Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut, Turmeric & Green Beans!
Truth is you can make it without chickpeas and use any cooked white beans instead, so don’t fret over the type of bean / pea used. They are all loaded with protein, low in fat, high in fiber and good for you. Just make sure it is a white colored variety or your flavors and colors will be totally off.
The Miso Broth:
I used some white chickpea miso I had in my refrigerator to whisk up an instant and delicious broth. You could of course use white soy miso, plain water or any veggie stock you might have on hand instead. Work with what you’ve got!
Is Miso Healthy ?
Absolutely yes but don’t take my word for it, this is what science has to say about it: miso nutrition facts.
How to Make Vegan Spiced Chickpea Stew:
- Start by sautéing some aromatics: leeks, carrot, celery.
- Infuse everything with herbs and spices: turmeric ginger, garlic, chili and bay leaf then add your choice of beans / peas to the pot of goodness.
- Whisk together some miso paste and hot water for instant broth.
- Add the broth and coconut milk to the pot and let the stew simmer away.
- Puree about 1/3 of the stew and add it back into the pot.
- Load it up with your favorite greens and steamed veggies. I love green beans but whatever rocks your taste buds goes.
- Last but not least: hit it with a good squeeze of lemon or lime to balance out the richness of all the flavor.
Steamed veggies add ins suggestions:
- green beans or asparagus
- broccoli & cauliflower
- sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- artichoke hearts.
What greens can I use ?
- any type of kale
- mustard or dandelion greens
- baby spinach or bok choy
- Swiss chard.
What to serve with:
- a good squeeze of lemon or lime
- a drizzle of pesto or harissa
- saffron infused coconut yogurt <—to die for!
- crusty bread.
This is really a hearty meal but you could make it even heartier by adding some orzo pasta, dumplings, couscous, soy curls and even some vegan sausage.
P.S. If you give this recipe a go make sure to give it a rating in the comments, snap a photo and tag me with #VeggieSociety on Instagram, it always makes my day ~ Florentina Xo’s
Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut and Turmeric
Ingredients
- 1 medium leek finely chopped & rinsed
- 1 carrot sliced into rounds
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 X 15 oz canned chickpeas (or your favorite white beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 leaf bay
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp ground ginger or 1 inch grated fresh ginger root
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or to taste
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
- 2 x 15 oz cans coconut milk full fat
- 2.5 cups filtered water or veggie stock
- 2 tbsp chickpea miso paste
- 3 cups kale or baby bok choy (or your favorite dark leafy greens)
- 1/2 lb green beans or favorite veggies steamed
- 1 juicy lemon or lime
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves for garnish
- sea salt + black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the leek lengthwise then chop up the white and pale green parts only. Place in a fine sieve and rinse well.
- Preheat a cast iron pot (seasoned or enameled) over medium flame and sautee the leeks until wilted. Add the carrot and celery and cook together a few minutes until they start to soften. Add a little drop of olive oil or water if needed to create steam. (Omit olive oil for WFPB Plantricious diets).
- Stir in the garlic then add the ginger, turmeric, chili powder, nutritional yeast and bay leaf.
- Add the chickpeas or white beans then stir in the coconut milk and two cups of water. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
- While the stew is cooking make sure to steam the green beans or whatever veggies you’d like to add here. It’s important not to overcook them so check every 5 minutes or so until the veggies are al dente. Transfer to a bowl and allow too cool until the soup is ready.
- After 30 minutes have passed reserve about 1/3 of the stew (make sure to get a little bit of everything) and puree in a high speed blender until smooth and creamy. Add the puree back into the pot and combine.
- Add the chopped kale (stems removed), bok choy, or any of your favorite dark leafy greens and simmer a couple of minutes until wilted. Stir in your steamed green beans or whatever steamed veggies you decide to add here. Cauliflower, asparagus and even sweet potatoes would work.
- Heat up the remaining half cup of water and whisk in the chickpea miso until combined. Stir into the soup. Squeeze in a large juicy lemon or lime and adjust seasonings to taste with a little sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Serve garnished with the fresh cilantro and red chili flakes to taste.
Notes
- Don’t add too much turmeric as it can be overpowering, less is more.
- You can use ground ginger or fresh ginger root, just mince it well.
- It’s very important to brighten up the stew with some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Taste it before and after you add the lemon and see which you prefer.
- If planning to cook chickpeas from scratch make sure to soak them for 6-8 hours before boiling them with herbs and spices until tender.