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Easy Plant-Based: Indian Chickpea Bowl (Wheat- & Gluten-Free)

Posted: 01/03/12 12:17 PM ET

2012-01-02-HPIndianChickpeaBowlphoto.jpg
I put this recipe together recently because I felt like eating something with chickpeas and carrots and I was craving something with Indian spices. I was also in the mood for comfort food -- something quick, but satisfying.

My daughter Cammie likes curry, so I've made variations of this kind of dish many times over the years. I like to play around with different combos of vegetables and amounts of spices. For this version, I used canned chickpeas and put it together in less than 30 minutes, including prep time.

Serve over quinoa (15 minutes) or other whole grain and you've got a hearty dinner!

Indian Chickpea Bowl
1 onion, diced, or 6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas
1 Maine-grown red potato (sweet potato or rutabega can be substituted), diced
6 baby portabellas, quartered
3 carrots, sliced or diced
1/4-1/2 cup of tomato paste (I sometimes use 1 cup of leftover mild salsa)
*Spices: 1/2 teaspoon each of garam masala, coriander, chili powder, cumin and 1 teaspoon curry powder
6 leaves of curly kale, sliced thinly
Optional: juice of 1/2 lemon

* This could also be made without spices.

Saute the onion or garlic in sesame or other oil on a medium-high flame for 2 minutes. Sprinkle on salt while onion is cooking.

Add 2 cans of chickpeas (including the liquid), carrots, diced potato, mushrooms and tomato paste or salsa and spices. Bring to a low boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are soft.

Add kale, cover and cook for 5 more minutes. Turn off heat. If you're adding lemon juice, add it now and stir in.

Makes 4 servings.

Have you gone plant-based or added any plant-based options to your way of eating? Have you noticed any difference in the way you feel or have you lost weight because of this? Please share your recipes, thoughts or observations here in my comments section.

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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
12:54 PM on 01/06/2012
Wouldn't it be fun to come up with 100 ways to adapt this recipe? For example, commenter Peg used 1 can of chickpeas & 1 can of lentils. Another commenter, macro4u2 (see below), used squash instead of potatoes, dropped the spices, but included miso for flavoring. Such creative ideas! What's yours? Share it here in my comments section!
08:19 PM on 01/05/2012
Thanks Meg, I love this combo of chickpeas with kale and mushrooms! I left out the spices and added some chickpea miso, and substituted pureed butternut squash for the tomato. Very creamy and naturally sweet, and even better for lunch the next day. Really appreciate your Facebook posts too.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:08 PM on 01/05/2012
Hello macro4u2, glad you like the combo and you religions and additions sound wonderful, mmmm ... The miso would add a great seasoning of it's own and the squash would make it ever so creamy. More macrotized, too. When I make something I always have enough for leftovers the next day. That's a very good point as this makes the recipe even easier (a dinner & lunch). Thanks for the wonderful comment and see you on FB. Thank you for commenting, much appreciated your stopping by!
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:10 PM on 01/05/2012
Sorry my auto correct likes to throw in some whoopers ... emissions came out religions! How weird.
10:31 PM on 01/05/2012
That's a hoot! I really try not to be religious about macro, wonderful as it is... :-)
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
lastwarning2earth rev14
Woe to them that call Evil Good and Good Evil
07:37 PM on 01/05/2012
That looks yummy Meg. I'll copy and paste.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
07:45 PM on 01/05/2012
lastwarning, Don't you have a print button? Upper right just above the black line that separates the title of the article from the body. The icon is light so easy to miss. Do you see it? Let me know.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
08:00 PM on 01/05/2012
What have you been up to lately? Cooked anything good?
05:11 PM on 01/05/2012
Hi Meg i made the Indian Chickpea bowl tonight. It was delicious. I made some substituions and used what i had so didnt use the two cans of chickpeas i had one can of lentils and chickpeas so used those, carrots, potatoes onionsn mushrooms tomato paste. and the spices except for coriander as i didn't have it.. It was great and jonathan loved it too..... Thanks for sharing the recipe.Peg J
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
09:11 PM on 01/05/2012
Sounds great,I must look for lentils in a can . It is good for us too...
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
05:52 AM on 01/06/2012
Gypsy, isn't that a great edition?!
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henriette and hube
my goal is to live each day
02:40 PM on 01/06/2012
Oh but Gypsy, lentils are so easy to cook and you can make a batch and freeze so you can have whever. And you help the environment on packaging and no salt. I just couldn't stand the thought of canned goods when chickpeas, lentils and beans are so easy to cook and then freeze. But then that's just me. The fresher the better.

I'm going to have to write a seperate reply on smoothies.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:14 PM on 01/05/2012
Hi Peg, Your making due with what you had created a wonderful new recipe. Like the idea of the chickpeas and lentils together! Did you have all the spices? I'm impressed if you had the garam masala in your cupboard!
Very cool that Jonathan loved it too!
09:32 PM on 01/05/2012
i had everything except for the coriander. i actually have made dishes like this in the 80's but actually forgot the tomato paste etc and how it all went together with the veggis and all. so i am excited now because i make this in batches and freeze leftovers.. This is such a great dish because it can be so versatile.... Thanks for reminding me Meg...
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01:59 AM on 01/05/2012
Why isn't one of the options to this recipe, "Print"? Do I always have to copy it out and paste it into a Word document if I want to use this recipe? I don't want to post it anywhere, I want to USE it!!
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:48 AM on 01/05/2012
Baby, I'm not sure about why they don't have a print feature. I have no control over that part. Let me know if you try the recipe!
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henriette and hube
my goal is to live each day
12:08 PM on 01/05/2012
bauby, I have the print feature on the recipe. I wonder why you don't.

You might google Meg's newsletter and print from there.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
02:15 PM on 01/05/2012
H & h, I'm not aware that/if I have the print feature(I think I don', but hope I do, too!). Fingers crossed, makes it easier!
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
05:20 PM on 01/05/2012
I don`t have that feature either, so I c & p to file.
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lele23
11:19 AM on 01/04/2012
Thanks, Meg. This looks wonderful.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
02:30 PM on 01/04/2012
Hello lele23, nice of you to say so. Thanks! Let me know if you try it.
02:22 AM on 01/04/2012
To simplify the spices, could you leave out curry powder and garam masala? Another great flavor would be to toast the cumin (add cumin to a hot pan until it darkens) before adding.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:02 AM on 01/04/2012
TheEasyIndian, Yes, simplifying the spices would certainly be OK. Cumin rocks and to toast it would be one more step, by a divine one! You could make it the first step and then add the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Or add the onion and oil and add the cumin at this time. The key is to experiment and in the end to make it work for you. Thanks for commenting!!!
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
10:09 AM on 01/04/2012
Great idea,I always toast cumin seeds to save and ground them when I need to use it.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
06:07 PM on 01/04/2012
gypsy, I buy both the seeds and the powder. I have a flax seed (used to be coffee) grinder so I could use this to grind the cumin seed. Fresh ground everything is always so much better, don't you think!? gypsy, you always have such great ideas. xo
11:19 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi Meg,
We miss you too! Glad you are back here. The recipe looks absolutely delish! Can't wait to try it!!! And I love mushrooms so I am thrilled about this addition, which I would have never thought would be in an Indian chick pea dish.
Amie@HealthySchoolFood.org
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:04 AM on 01/04/2012
Amie, Thanks for saying so! Miss you too. Yes, the mushrooms add a nice texture and a little veriation on the theme. You might try it with your kids?!
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dadw5boys
Disabled Vietnam Vet
11:17 PM on 01/03/2012
If I use curry in anything I have to add shrimp for some reason lol
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:04 AM on 01/04/2012
Curry is wonderful.
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
05:36 PM on 01/05/2012
Dadw5boys, Question: Do you have the print feature on your Huff Post articles? If you are looking at my article if you look at the black line between the article title and the actual article, to the left and above the black line (below the title at the top) is a tiny printer. It's not super dark, so easy to miss. Do you see/have it?
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dadw5boys
Disabled Vietnam Vet
11:43 PM on 01/05/2012
yes I have the printer icon -- I copy and paste to save on word seldom print anything at home
10:41 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi Meg, I am a newbie at being a vegan and it seems so overwhelming, where do I begin? Is there some basic things I need to know so that I make good choices and yet include everything I need to have in a day's menu so that I am getting the nutrients I should eat for a well balanced program? Appreciate any basic advice you can share. I've tried a lot of programs, but I want to be a healthy grandmother for my grandchildren and feel like a vegan diet is the way to achieve better health and lose about 15 pounds at the same time. Please help!! Thanks, Jean
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
11:12 PM on 01/03/2012
Hello Jean, You came to the right place to ask this great question. I've written about this question, "where do I start?" ... In my book, but let me hunt it down because I've written about this several times and I probably have it in an article or blog post somewhere and I can send you the link. Thank you for asking!
06:49 AM on 01/04/2012
Thanks Meg,

I really appreciate any help in getting me started in the right direction. You are such an inspiration to a lot of people, including me! I look forward to hearing your response. Jean
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
07:30 PM on 01/04/2012
Here's a few suggestions to help with moving toward a plant-based way of eat ...

1. Add more fresh vegetables! I aim for 5-9 servings a day. Sound daunting? Start with 3 and work up. Do what works for you. Fresh organic is best, but if you can’t get organic don’t let this be the show-stopper. (1-2 servings of my veggies are leafy greens like kale!)

2. Eat fruit for dessert in place of junk or non-nutritive foods high in sugar and chemical additives. Whole fruits eaten in season are better choices than fruit juices. In Maine, I like blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, watermelon, melons. And remember that fruit doesn’t take the place of vegetables. Fruit is best after meals, or between, as a snack.

To be continued ... (only 250 words allowed per reply so I'll post 2 or 3 replies.)
10:39 PM on 01/03/2012
Happy New Year Meg! Love how easy and versatile this recipe is. Will be giving this a try in the New Year.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
11:05 PM on 01/03/2012
Jeanette, great to hear from you! Yes, so, so easy and you can add whatever veggies you like really. I was thinking cauliflower would be good, too. Wishing you the best in the New Year, Jeanette!
10:06 PM on 01/03/2012
This sounds delicious. But I'm allergic to mushrooms. How do you think it will turn out without them?
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
11:02 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi Denise, no problem with leaving out mushrooms. I think that it will taste just fine!
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
11:07 PM on 01/03/2012
Cauliflower or another white vegetable might be good in place of mushrooms. Any ideas, Denise? What else do you like?
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henriette and hube
my goal is to live each day
05:47 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi dear Meg, I've missed you and have been concerned.

I'm making this dish tomorow. I just happen to have kale and mushrooms in the refrig and bought a sweet potato at WF on my way home from spending NY's with an old friend so I'm all set as I always have dry chickpeas and a lemon on hand.

Hope you have a gentle and peaceful NY.
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
08:38 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi h & h,

I just really had to take the time to breath, relax and do other things that I've been putting off (like research what I might do about my leg issue). So here I am back at it, and it's so nice to see you here, h&h! Thanks for being so supportive and concerned... you're a sweetie!

Yes, please do make this dish! It's SO easy. Tonight I made it even quicker by using chopped garlic from the jar, some fresh, but already sliced mushrooms (more time saved), and I subbed spinach (baby, washed) for the kale. I made it in about 20 minutes (prep & cooking time) and a bit of that time was used looking in my cupboard for the spices!

Then in addition, I juiced carrots, beets, kale, parsley, a pear, an orange, ginger and celery. I brought the juice in a cup with a lid to Cammie (my 21 year-old daughter), when I picked her at the bus station (she flew back from London today). She was happily surprised to have the Indian Chickpea Bowl with quinoa when she got home. And bless her heart, she made us a salad with arugula and romaine to go with it!

Thank you for your New Years wish. May your wish return to you a thousand-fold! xo
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
10:12 PM on 01/03/2012
Sounds scrumptious ! I made the dish today, had it with basmati...how `bout that? Good to know you are doing okay Meg, I was worried too..talk with you tomorrow. XO
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
10:13 PM on 01/03/2012
Oh..I added spinach instead already had it and forgot carrot.
05:22 PM on 01/03/2012
What a great way to start to introduce kale into one's diet!
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dadw5boys
Disabled Vietnam Vet
07:52 PM on 01/03/2012
i mixed small amounts of kale into boiled cabbage to get the kids to eat it
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
09:46 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi dadw5boys, Nice to see you here and you are always filled with great ideas! This is a great kale idea... mix it with something they like or love! Great that they like boiled cabbage. What else have you been cooking up?
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megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
08:42 PM on 01/03/2012
Hi Susan, It is a great way to introduce kale! Would you consider making this dish?
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gypsynomad
I dwell in possibility.
02:19 PM on 01/03/2012
Happy New Year Meg !!! Wish you and yours allthe good things in life.
Missed you like crazy,coming back later today. I went to the grocer today itself and purchased all the ingrediants of your previous recipe. LOVE
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
megwolff
Plant-based cook & survivor
04:30 PM on 01/03/2012
Gypsy! LOVE being back! You will love this dish, SO simple, easy and if you crave Indian spices, it's just the dish for you! Happy New Year!