Stewed Chickpeas

PaulaG's Note:

This is a delicious combination of flavors. It can be served as a side dish or makes a wonderful vegetarian meal served with rice. The recipe is adapted from "1000 Recipes Indian, Chinese, Thai and Asia". The recipe suggests chilling before serving but I served this hot with seasoned rice and cinnamon spiced carrots.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large eggplant, diced (Approximately 4 cups.)
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 -5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 -2 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 -2 serrano chili, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed, drained
• 1 lemon, juice of
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat half the olive oil. When warm add in the diced eggplant and cook until lightly browned. When browned, place in a colander over a bowl and allow to stand while preparing the rest of the dish.
2. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and add in onions, garlic, peppers and chilies. Fry unil softened. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and spices. Cook and stir until mixture develops a sauce consistency, adding a touch of water as needed.
3. Stir in the drained chickpeas and cook for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Stir in browned eggplant and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro and enjoy.

Reviews

[Kiwi Kathy]

A tasty and delicious meal. Maybe next time I'd just add 1 chilli as mine were a tad on the hot side. Still a real keeper. Served with a dollop of plain yoghurt and a piece of baked chicken. WOW. Thanks PaulaG for posting. Made for Aussie / Kiwi Swap April 2012.