bowl of curried chickpea cauliflower rice with fresh cilantro garnish

Cauliflower rice

curried chickpea cauliflower rice

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

07 Jul 2025
bowl of curried chickpea cauliflower rice with fresh cilantro garnish
I still remember the first time I made this dish. I was trying to eat healthier and cut back on carbs, but I was also craving something flavorful and comforting. That's when I stumbled upon the idea of using cauliflower rice as a base for a chickpea curry. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Not only did it satisfy my cravings, but it also became a staple in my weekly meal plan. It's quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. I mean what’s not to love about this simple, flavorful meal?
overhead shot of a pot of curried chickpea cauliflower rice simmering on a stove
This Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Rice is a vibrant and aromatic dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. It combines the goodness of cauliflower rice with the protein-packed chickpeas and the warmth of Indian spices. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that's both nutritious and delicious. What's even better is that it's naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. It's so versatile that you can add any vegetable you like. One of my friends shared that she added some spinach and bell peppers to it. Great idea!
close-up shot of a bowl of curried chickpea cauliflower rice with a spoon taking a scoop
I know what you're thinking: cauliflower rice? Really? But trust me on this one! When cooked properly and combined with the right flavors, cauliflower rice can be incredibly delicious. It's a fantastic low-carb alternative to regular rice and it soaks up all the flavors of the curry beautifully. And the chickpeas add a hearty and satisfying element to the dish, making it a complete meal in itself. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without even realizing it! I'm all for making healthy eating as enjoyable and effortless as possible, and this recipe definitely fits the bill. I have found myself making it even when I don't have cauliflower, it's a very flexible and forgiving recipe.
a person holding a bowl of curried chickpea cauliflower rice in a kitchen setting

Required Equipments

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Rice cooker (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spatula

Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Rice: Frequently Asked Questions

Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Rice

This Curried Chickpea Cauliflower Rice recipe offers a flavorful, low-carb, and nutritious meal, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Combining cauliflower rice, protein-packed chickpeas, and aromatic Indian spices, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Rinse the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas under cold water. This helps remove excess sodium and any starchy residue. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower rice: If you're using a head of cauliflower, wash it thoroughly and cut it into florets. Pulse the florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-sized pieces. Alternatively, use pre-riced cauliflower from the store. I've made this with the pre-riced stuff and honestly? It's SO much easier!
  3. Cook the rice (if using): If you're using regular rice, cook it according to package instructions. This usually involves bringing water to a boil, adding the rice, reducing heat, and simmering until the water is absorbed. If you're using a rice cooker, simply follow the manufacturer's directions. I am pretty awful at cooking rice on the stove so a rice cooker is my saving grace.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Watch out that garlic, it burns easily!
  5. Add spices: Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and ginger. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and enhancing their flavor. You'll start to get that yummy, curry smell wafting about, and trust me, you'll wanna dive right in.
  6. Incorporate chickpeas and cauliflower rice: Add the rinsed chickpeas and cauliflower rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the spices and aromatics. If using regular rice, add it at this stage as well. Make sure everything's nicely mixed so each bite is delicious.
  7. Simmer with coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. Give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking. This is where the magic happens - all those flavors getting friendly with each other.
  8. Season and adjust: Season with soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free), salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more curry powder or spices if desired. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
  9. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to add a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture, but that's totally up to you.
  10. Enjoy!: So, what does this mean for you? Simple! A tasty, quick, and healthy dinner that's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing flavor. I always feel good knowing I'm eating something that's both delicious and nutritious. Win-win!

📝 Notes

  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped green chilies.
  • Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or a dollop of plain yogurt for extra flavor and texture.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 12g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 10g

Calcium: 120mg

The best meals are the ones that nourish your body and warm your soul. - Aisha Khan

Want delicious updates straight to your inbox?

FOLLOW US

© 2025 SavoryTouch. All Rights Reserved.