Chickpeas Curry

• 500 grams of pumpkin
• 1 red pepper
• 1 lemongrass stalk
• 400 grams chickpeas (canned)
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• A piece of ginger of about 5 cm
• 4 tsp The Spice Club Curry
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 200 ml of water
• Rice or another grain of your choice (e.g. basmati rice)
• Fresh parsley or coriander, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh lemon or lime juice (to taste)
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: The Spice Club Coco & Hazel for garnish

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables and Herbs

• Start by cutting the pumpkin into cubes. If you want to leave the skin on, make sure it is washed thoroughly. Otherwise you can peel the skin.
• Cut the red pepper into cubes.
• Take the lemongrass stem and gently crush it with the back of a knife to release the flavors.
• Rinse the chickpeas thoroughly under running water.
• Finely chop the onion, garlic and ginger.

Step 2: Fry the Onion, Garlic and Ginger

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and fry for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 3: Flavor with Herbs

• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Stir the spices to taste (e.g. curry powder, turmeric, cumin) into the garlic and ginger and fry, stirring, for 30 seconds to release the aromas.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Coconut Milk

• Add the diced pumpkin, bell pepper, crushed lemongrass stem, chickpeas, coconut milk and water to the pan. Stir everything well so that the ingredients combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Prepare Rice

• While the curry is simmering, prepare rice or other grain of your choice according to package instructions.

Step 6: Simmer the Curry

• Simmer the curry, uncovered, over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

• Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve the pumpkin curry over the cooked rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander for a fresh touch.
• Add fresh lemon or lime juice to taste for a hint of citrus freshness.