Friday, February 4, 2011

AFRICAN CURRIED COCONUT SOUP WITH CHICKPEAS

Aren't you happy it's the weekend?  I'm looking forward to a quiet few days. A little reading (Cleopatra is waiting for me), dinner with friends and of course the Superbowl on Sunday.  In preparation for my lazy weekend, I made a big pot of African Curried Coconut & Chickpea Soup last night. Simple to make, the soup is filled with a delicious balance of spicy and sweet-a great vegan dish that's sure to take the chill off when you just want to chill out.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

African Curried Coconut Soup with Chickpeas
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 medium onion (about 6 ounces), chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (about 6 ounces), chopped
  • 1 jalapeño chili, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes, seeded and peeled, fresh or canned (see Cook's Tip)
  • 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Preparation

In a medium stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and chili; cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, curry powder, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Cook's Tip: To peel fresh tomatoes, bring a medium stockpot filled with water to a boil over high heat; drop in the tomatoes and boil 20 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold-running water. Peel off the skins. 
adapted from Epicurious.

9 comments:

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Yum, the perfect dish to accompany a cold weekend! Enjoy yours! Janell

Town and Country House said...

This sounds fabulous; thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend!

I Dream Of said...

Sounds delicious! Nothing better than soup on a cold winter day.
Enjoy your weekend!
Jeanne

Splendid Sass said...

Looks and sound wonderful, Barbara.
Have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo

Unknown said...

That soup looks relish!

I just selected Cleopatra for my book club to read! With all the turmoil in Egypt, it seems particularly well timed.

Happy, warm weekend, Barbara!
xo, elizabeth

The Buzz Blog said...

A great substitution for the usual old chili - wonder what the boys would say? Reading Cleopatra these days seem so "a propos"! Happy weekend, Barbara.
xxoo

The enchanted home said...

Printed and sent this to my mom, she looooves anything with curry and I must admit sounds really good. Have a wonderful weekend.

The enchanted home said...

Printed and sent this to my mom, she looooves anything with curry and I must admit sounds really good. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blooming Rose Musings said...

Oh my goodness, this sounds delicious. Perfect for a chilly evening.
Have a wonderful weekend.