Mediterranean Chickpea & Mushroom Curry
This Mediterranean-inspired twist on curry pairs earthy mushrooms, tender zucchini, and protein-rich chickpeas in a silky coconut-based sauce. Fragrant curry spices mingle with cumin, garlic, and turmeric for depth, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant finish. Serve over rice or noodles, topped with sesame seeds, for a quick, hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Time
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 23–26 minutes
Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, chopped
150g (around 2 cups) mushrooms, chopped
1/2 small zucchini, chopped
1/2 can coconut milk
1/2 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp arrowroot powder (for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Handful of fresh spinach
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté aromatics
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and onion, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Cook vegetables
Add mushrooms and zucchini to the pan.
Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until mushrooms release moisture and zucchini begins to soften.
Add spices
Stir in curry powder, cumin, garlic granules, and turmeric.
Cook for 30 seconds, stirring, to release the spices’ aroma.
Build the curry
Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
Mix arrowroot powder with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce.
Add greens & season
Toss in spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Spoon curry over rice or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
Veggie Swaps
Swap zucchini with eggplant, bell peppers, or sweet potato for a seasonal twist.
Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster) for more depth of flavor.
Extra Protein
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier version.
For a double legume boost, add lentils along with the chickpeas.
Spice It Up
Increase curry powder or add chili flakes, harissa, or fresh chili for more heat.
For a smoky touch, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika.
Creaminess Level
For richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk; for a lighter curry, use light coconut milk.
You can also blend part of the sauce before adding spinach to make it ultra-creamy.
Serving Ideas
Serve with basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles.
For a Mediterranean fusion feel, try it with warm pita bread or couscous.
Make-Ahead Friendly
This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Garnish Game
Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes. Soak 1 cup dried chickpeas overnight, then boil until tender before adding. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas for this recipe.
Q2: Is this curry spicy?
Not by default—it’s mild and family-friendly. You can add chili flakes, fresh chili, or hot curry powder for more heat.
Q3: Can I make it without coconut milk?
Yes. Substitute with unsweetened almond milk, cashew cream, or vegetable broth plus a splash of cream for richness.
Q4: How do I thicken without arrowroot powder?
You can use cornstarch, potato starch, or simply let the curry simmer uncovered until it reduces and thickens.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
Yes, this curry freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving — 1 of 2 portions, served without rice/noodles)
Calories: 300
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 9g
Sugars: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Sodium: 480mg
Potassium: 860mg
(Values are approximate and may vary based on brands and serving sizes.)
Final Conclusion
The Mediterranean Chickpea & Mushroom Curry is a warm, satisfying fusion of flavors that blends earthy mushrooms, creamy coconut, and aromatic spices with the wholesome goodness of chickpeas. Quick to prepare yet deeply flavorful, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Whether you enjoy it with fluffy rice, tender noodles, or crusty bread, this curry is a versatile, nourishing addition to your Mediterranean recipe collection.