I rushed to Stephen’s after my Saturday morning Body Attack sweat session because we had some serious Christmas shopping to do. We hit up the mall, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and the Dollar Tree.
Before we left, I could not help but have his roommate take a picture of us by their tree. We were totally (and accidentally) dressed in Christmas colors!
Our trip was a success. I have officially purchased my entire family’s Christmas presents! Now I only have Stephen to shop for.
After a long day of shopping, I decided to try out a recipe that I found online:
Chickpea Curry
My favorite meals include Thai or Indian spices. I was originally drawn to the name of this dish because curry is my absolute favorite spice to cook with. But after a glance at the ingredient list, I realized that curry isn’t even listed. Oh well.
I’ve also been trying to make vegetables, legumes, and grains the focus of my meals these days, so I decided this simple recipe was something I was interested in preparing. I followed the original recipe with a few minor adaptations.
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1tsp mustard seed
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
Salt, to taste
Chickpeas, 16 oz., drained and rinsed (I used canned.)
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
Directions:
- Begin cooking rice. Directions on how to cook jasmine rice.
- Start cooking main dish. Heat oil in large pot and add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add spices to pot and cook about 1 minute.
- Add chickpeas and tomatoes, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes.
- Serve on top of rice. Add cilantro garnish if desired.
It was so simple, and it had a unique taste that Stephen and I both enjoyed. It had a different flavor palate from Indian dishes that I have eaten in the past. For an easy and inexpensive meal, I’d certainly give it a try. I know that Stephen and I will be eating it again.
I’d love add more veggies like peppers and carrots next time. Stephen was opposed to any additions this time around, as he did not want me to alter the recipe. With good reason…he’s been forced to eat many of my experimental cooking mishaps!
Such as the lunch I served him on Sunday…
Chickpea Burgers and Tahini Sauce (we just couldn’t get enough of chickpeas this weekend.)
They look appetizing, but they weren’t so great. However, this was not my fault. I followed the recipe with fidelity.
I had planned to share two great recipes with the blog world, alas, this did not make the cut.
As we were eating, I kept suggesting modifications to Stephen like, “next time we make this, we should half the tahini,” or “next time we make this, let’s add more spices to the burger.”
After listing a few more possible recipe changes, Stephen gently informed me that there should be no “next time.” Oops. These chickpea burgers were a big fat fail.
Isn’t it a bummer when you spend time slaving in the kitchen and your creation is no good? I hate the fact that I spent so much time on something that was a total flop. Not only that, but I had to clean up the kitchen after making something that didn’t even taste good.
What is your least favorite thing about cooking? Your favorite?
I’m off to my Group Centurgy class, a fairly new addition to my workout regimen. I enjoy it so much more than I ever thought I would, but it is no Body Attack substitute. 
FYI-Centurgy is Body Training System’s version of Les Mill’s Body Flow class. It is a mix between yoga and pilates.
And yes, I’ve been faithful to my A.M Exercise Challenge. I completed my cardio this morning before work. Expect an A.M. Exercise Challenge recap at the end of this week!
[...] This is the best chickpea curry recipe known to man! It totally beats the recipe I posted last December. [...]