This Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this one-pan recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with spices and nutrients. The creamy coconut milk pairs beautifully with the chickpeas and zucchini, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just two steps, you can enjoy a delicious curry without the fuss.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices like garam masala and ground cumin gives this dish an irresistible aroma.
- Healthy Ingredients: Chickpeas and zucchini provide a nutritious boost, perfect for a balanced meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, naan, or even roasted veggies for different meal experiences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up required since everything cooks in a single baking dish!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (9×12” or similar)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking for your curry while holding all the ingredients together.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining spices and other ingredients before adding them to the baking dish.
- Spatula: Helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly and spreading them evenly in the pan.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables like zucchini quick and easy.
Ingredients
This Indian-spiced zucchini chickpea curry all bakes in a single pan! It’s a super easy, 2-step recipe that’s packed with amazing curry flavors.
For the Base
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into 1/4” slices or cubes)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (or other Asian chili garlic sauce)
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 to 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste (or use 5 cloves of minced garlic and 1” of ginger, minced)
- 8 ounces canned tomato puree (or use 2 tablespoons tomato paste)
- 15 ounce can full fat coconut milk (or 1.5 cups thick non-dairy milk)
Final Touches
- 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach (or more, to taste)
- cilantro and lime juice (for garnish)
How to Make Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400° F (205° C). Grease your baking dish with oil. In the dish, add chopped onion, sliced zucchini, hot sauce, and sambal oelek. Toss everything together well.
Step 2: Spice it Up
In a small mixing bowl, combine all spices: ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, and salt. Sprinkle this spice mix over the zucchini mixture in your baking dish. Spread everything out evenly. Bake for about 10 to 14 minutes until onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Saucy Goodness
After removing the baking dish from the oven, mix in ginger garlic paste and tomato puree. Then add coconut milk, chickpeas, frozen spinach, and stir well until combined. Even it out with your spatula.
Step 4: Final Bake
Return the baking dish to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes or until you see bubbling sauce that has thickened slightly. Depending on your oven’s efficiency, this could take up to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done baking, remove from oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving. If you prefer a thicker curry consistency, consider adding non-dairy yogurt or nut butter during this step. Enjoy it warm with toasted sourdough bread or over fluffy rice!
How to Serve Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
This delicious Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry is versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair it with your favorite sides or enjoy it on its own for a hearty meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Bread
- Naan: Soft and fluffy, naan is perfect for scooping up the curry.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread complements the spices in the dish.
- Sourdough: Toasted sourdough adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy curry.
Over Rice
- Basmati Rice: Light and fragrant, basmati rice absorbs the flavors of the curry beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: For added richness, serve the curry over coconut rice for a tropical twist.
With Vegetables
- Roasted Veggies: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the spiciness of the curry.
How to Perfect Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
To achieve a scrumptious Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and spices enhance the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce and sambal oelek according to your preference.
- Thickening Options: If you prefer a thicker curry, add more coconut milk or non-dairy yogurt during cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the curry to sit for a few minutes before serving helps deepen the flavors.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten up the dish and add freshness.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container; they taste even better the next day!
Best Side Dishes for Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
Pairing your Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that balances out spicy flavors.
- Pulao Rice: Flavored rice cooked with spices and peas, offering additional taste and texture.
- Chapati: Whole wheat flatbread that’s easy to make and great for dipping into curry.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles add crunch and acidity which contrast nicely with creamy curries.
- Lentil Soup: A warm lentil soup pairs well with chickpeas, providing protein and fiber.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet mango chutney adds a fruity element that brightens up every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry even more delicious. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Overcooking the Vegetables: This can lead to mushy zucchini and onions. Bake just until tender for the best texture.
- Ignoring Spice Measurements: Too much or too little spice can alter the flavor dramatically. Always start with recommended amounts and adjust to taste.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients enhance the curry’s taste. Opt for fresh zucchini and good-quality coconut milk for the best results.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step means uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Neglecting to Garnish: Garnishes like cilantro and lime juice add freshness and flavor. Don’t skip this step for a well-rounded dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry special?
This dish combines rich spices and textures, making it a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Can I make Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan due to its use of chickpeas, zucchini, and coconut milk.
How spicy is Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry?
The spice level can vary based on your choice of hot sauce and sambal oelek. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!
What can I serve with Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry?
Consider pairing it with rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily by adding other vegetables or adjusting spices according to your preference. Give it a try; you’ll love how delightful it is!
Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry
Spicy Baked Zucchini Chickpea Curry is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings together the rich flavors of Indian spices with nutritious ingredients. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering. The creamy coconut milk harmonizes beautifully with chickpeas and zucchini, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you serve it over rice, with naan, or alongside roasted vegetables, this curry is sure to impress with its delightful aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 to 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
- 8 ounces canned tomato puree
- 15 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
- 15 ounce can chickpeas (drained)
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a baking dish. Combine chopped onion, sliced zucchini, hot sauce, and sambal oelek in the dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, and salt. Sprinkle over the vegetable mixture and bake for 10–14 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Stir in ginger garlic paste and tomato puree. Add coconut milk, chickpeas, and spinach; mix well.
- Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbling and thickened.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
