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Chickpea and Potato Masala {vegan + gluten-free}

chickpea stew

When I was in graduate school, my California friends and acquaintances back home would invariably ask the same question with every return visit: “Remind me where it is you attend school? It’s one of the I states, isn’t it?”

After years of replying “Indiana,” the abbreviated responses remained constant: in summer, “Ooh, Hot!” and in winter, “Ooh, Cold!” The utterances were delivered with the force of profound revelation, and typically joined by smirking condescension, not unlike that of an older sibling informing a younger sibling that there is no Santa Claus.

Little did they know that while “grim” often defined my Midwest winters, it rarely typified my accompanying mood (and that’s coming from a bonafide cold-weather whiner who dons mittens and scarf when the temperature dips below 65).

Here’s why: daily survival on freezing, miserable days cheered me. Residents of idyllic weather states may miss out on shoveling snow and scraping frozen car windows, but they also lose the tiny joys derived from minor mid-winter feats, such as making it through the day without careening headlong into a snowbank or losing the feeling in one’s face.

Now that I once again live in a sunny state (Texas), I’m still (occasionally) nostalgic for those winter victories that brightened many otherwise bleak days: dry socks, sidewalk steam vents, nonskid soles, and making it home, unscathed, to savor central heating, slippers and a warming supper.

But I can still make one of my favorite celebratory suppers from those days past, and today is a good day to do it: our lone state weather-forecasters are predicting a return of old man winter for the next few days (in the low 60s, oh no! Crank up the thermostat and send in the downs!).

The dish in question is chickpea potato masala, a dish that champions home comfort. My streamlined version is not a complete break from the original. According to several Indian friends,  everyone who makes it fervently contends theirs is the best and most authentic version, but every recipe is slightly different. Consider this recipe one permutation of many. I make no claims of authenticity, but am passionate about the contribution of this undemanding dish to the small thrills of winter.

 

Chickpea Potato Masala

Chickpea Potato Masala

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 2-inch (5 cm) piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp mild curry powder
  • 1-1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 cups water, divided
  • 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 1-1/2 lbs yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1 can (14 to 19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium zucchini, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted (optional)

Instructions

  1. In blender, combine garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, garam masala, salt and 1/2 cup (of the water; purée until smooth.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes or until softened. Add garlic purée and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until thickened. Add potatoes and parsnips; reduce heat and boil gently, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are barely tender.
  3. Stir in chickpeas, bell pepper, zucchini and coconut milk, and the remaining water, scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 16 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Sprinkle with coconut, if using..

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CamillaCooks

Sunday 2nd of March 2008

Hi Erin! So happy to hear from you!

I am now a bright scarlet from reading your comments; I am so flattered. It was actually your and Anna's blogs that inspired me to finally give this a go (evryyone check out both under the link for cooking contester blogs at right). So thank you for the inspiration!

Anonymous

Saturday 1st of March 2008

Camilla:I've been a reading faithfully for two weeks now without publishing a comment. I'm hooked and had to let you know. I love the writing, recipes, and photography, not to mention some insight into your family life. Your little boy is utterly adorable! My sisters are hooked on your blog now, too. Keep it coming! Thanks and I will definitely pick up some humble parsnips on my next trip to the market. Erin Mylroie

CamillaCooks

Friday 29th of February 2008

Hey Merc:

It's coming, it's coming! I'll be delivering the parsnippity details in today's post (will be later today--hectic morning and I need to remake the dish for a photo--and for dinner! Kevin does not know about the menu, shhh).

mercy

Friday 29th of February 2008

Parsnips? Really? Okay, I'm intrigued. Tell me more about them -- are they sharp & stingy like radishes? How do they stack up, nutrition-wise, to veggies like sweet potatoes?I might just put them on our grocery list . . .

CamillaCooks

Friday 29th of February 2008

Hi Allison,

I know I should be sleeping right now, but I just came in to corect the spelling of parsnips (had spelled the parnsips). Yes, do try them--I'll still talk to you if you hate them :)

Wow, thanks for buying E.C. and already trying a recipe! I'm flattered.

Have a good night--get to bed, woman, it's late!

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