Chickpea Millet Curry

Craving a healthy and comforting dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than our delicious Chickpea Millet Curry—a wholesome, filling, and gluten-free meal that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished.

With millet as the star grain, this curry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of cooked millet, tender chickpeas, and a medley of aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, it’s soy-free and can be prepared in no time for those busy weeknights when you need a warm and hearty meal.

Feel free to customize this curry to your liking—millet can easily be replaced with your favorite cooked cereal. Now, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

YIELD: This recipe yields 2 to 3 servings, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a delightful family meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil or grapeseed oil
• Generous 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped scallion
• 1/2 to 1 whole jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) mild to medium curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bell pepper (any color), seeded and diced
• 1 1/2 cups (260 g) cooked millet
• 1 cup (164 g) cooked chickpeas
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) canned coconut milk
• Water or vegetable broth, as needed
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, to taste
• Wedges of lime, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, heat the melted coconut oil or grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped scallion, minced jalapeño, garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, and ground cumin. Sauté the mixture for about 6 minutes until the bell pepper softens. If the vegetables start to stick to the skillet, add a drizzle of water and adjust the heat accordingly.
2. Add the cooked millet, chickpeas, and salt to taste to the skillet. Cook the mixture on medium heat for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Pour in the canned coconut milk and let the curry simmer for 4 minutes. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add some vegetable broth or water to reach your desired thickness.
4. Heat the curry just until it’s heated through, then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Serve the Chickpea Millet Curry immediately, garnishing it with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

SERVING OPTIONS:

When it comes to serving options, Chickpea Millet Curry offers a versatile and delightful experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving options to enhance your culinary adventure:

• Overcooked Millet: Serve the Chickpea Millet Curry over a bed of freshly cooked millet. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of millet complements the curry perfectly, providing a wholesome and satisfying base.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or grain-free option, serve the curry over cauliflower rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like grains, then sauté them lightly for a few minutes until tender.
• With Naan or Flatbread: Accompany the curry with warm and fluffy naan bread or your favorite flatbread. The bread’s soft texture and mild flavor balance the spices in the curry, making it a delightful combination.
• Mixed Greens: To add freshness and color to the dish, serve the Chickpea Millet Curry over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach. The fresh greens provide a crisp contrast to the warm and hearty curry.
• With Yogurt: A dollop of dairy or non-dairy yogurt on top of the curry adds a creamy element and helps mellow out the spiciness for those who prefer a milder taste.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy and zesty touch to your curry by serving it with pickled vegetables, such as pickled carrots, radishes, or cucumbers. The pickled flavors complement the curry’s spices beautifully.
• Side of Chutney: Offer a side of mango chutney, coconut chutney, or tamarind chutney to accompany the Chickpea Millet Curry. The sweet and tangy chutneys provide a delightful contrast to the savory curry.
• Topped with Nuts or Seeds: For added crunch and nutrition, sprinkle the curry with toasted nuts or seeds like sliced almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Finish off the curry with a handful of fresh herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or mint. The herbs not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Extra Lime Wedges: For those who enjoy an extra zing, serve the curry with additional lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice adds a burst of citrus freshness to the dish.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with our Chickpea Millet Curry. Embrace the joy of healthy and delicious whole-grain goodness, and savor the nourishing blend of millet, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. Bon appétit!