Chickpeas are among favourites to cook with. I find that it lends itself quite effortlessly to many vegetable pairing. This combination I particularly like, the aubergine/brinjal adds a lovely flavour and a soft mushy texture to this dish.

Preparation:  10 minutes     Cooking: 30 minutes     Serves:  3 – 4

Ingredients

  • 2 glugs olive oil
  • ¼ tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) garlic & ginger paste
  • 1 medium aubergine diced into square pieces
  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp (5ml) cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) mild/medium chilli powder
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) curry powder
  • ½ – 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) tomato paste
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 small red cabbage finely sliced
  • 200g rice noodles
  • Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Let’s cook 😊 

  • Heat oil in a pot, toss in the mustard seeds as soon as they pop
  • Throw in the onion – cook until golden brown – 3-5 minutes
  • Add garlic and ginger paste and cook for a few seconds then
  • Add the aubergine – cook for 5 – 8 minutes
  • Toss in the chickpeas, cumin powder, chilli powder, curry powder and salt – give it a good stir now add the tomato paste, sauté for another minute. 
  • Pour in the coconut milk – bring to a boil – reduce heat cover with a lid and simmer for 8-10 minutes until gravy thickens and aubergine softens. Once done, turn of the heat and keep aside.
  • Blanch red cabbage for 5 minutes in boiling water
  • Cook Rice noodles as per the instruction on the pack
  • Let’s bowl up 😊 In a big bowl add a good serving of rice noodles, followed by a generous amount of cabbage and a good spoonful of chickpea coconut curry
  • Garnish with coriander leaves and serve