Easy Chickpea Ssamjang Curry With Fluffy Quinoa

Your all time favorite hearty stew of coconut chickpea curry comfort food fused with our secret ingredient Ssamjang which has so much flavor. This Korean soybean paste stew is very filling veggie dish (vegan chickpea stew) also known as chana masala is a level up above the ordinary that will surely satisfy your craving for savory flavors and will definitely be one of your favorite dishes. With a cup of chickpeas paired with our favorite super grain quinoa. The authentic flavor of this dish will definitely satisfy your hunger. The next time you need meal prep, try this recipe, it even gets better the next day. The rich curry flavors of Korean cooking and the richness of coconut milk make this one-pot meal shine, will truly make your taste buds happy!.

What is Ssamjang

Ssamjang is a thick, spicy paste used with food wrapped in a leaf in Korean Cuisine (Gochujang and Doenjang). The Sauce is made of fermented Soy beans (doenjang), red chili paste (gochujang), sesame oil, onion, garlic, green onions and optionally brown sugar.

This paste usually used for wrapping can also be a source of intense flavor giving your conventional stews an extra flair. In this recipe, chickpeas, coconut milk and Ssamjang really went well together. Paired with herbed quinoa, a combination that will delight every pallet and nourish every tummy. Watch it in action here.

Chickpea Curry

As a vegan, curries are always a go to. Easy to prepare. If you got canned chickpeas in your pantry, some coconut milk and spices, you are good to go! But if you are a little meticulous and have passion for details you can sauté some specific spices. Best paired with fluffy quinoa, white rice, brown rice or roasted sweet potatoes.

• Coriander: Coriander is an herb commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a bright, citrusy flavor with hints of sweetness and a slightly earthy undertone. Both the leaves (cilantro) and the seeds (coriander seeds) are used in cooking. Coriander adds a fresh and aromatic taste to dishes and is often used in curries, salsas, and marinades.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a warm, earthy flavor with a slightly bitter undertone. Turmeric is known for its vibrant color and is often used as a natural food coloring. It is also a key ingredient in curry powder and is used in dishes like curries, rice, soups, and sauces. Turmeric has been praised for its potential health benefits due to its active compound, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Cumin: Cumin is a spice with a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor. It is commonly used in Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. Cumin seeds are often toasted and ground before being used in cooking. Cumin adds depth and richness to dishes and is a key ingredient in spice blends like curry powder and chili powder. It is used in a wide range of dishes, including stews, soups, rice, and roasted vegetables.
• Chili peppers: Chili peppers are a type of fruit that comes in various shapes, sizes, and levels of spiciness. They are used to add heat and flavor to dishes. Chili peppers can range from mild to extremely hot, and different varieties have different flavor profiles. They can be used fresh, dried, or ground into chili powder. Chili peppers are used in a wide range of cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Korean. They add a spicy kick to dishes like salsas, curries, stir-fries, and marinades. Add some Jalapeño pepper for extra heat.

As for liquid you can use full-fat coconut milk, light coconut milk, tomato purée, or stock. The thing with vegan curries or cooking in general is to be free with what ingredients and techniques to use and know what end goal you want to achieve. Use vegetable stock if you don't have coconut milk.

How to make

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the curry powder to the pan and stir it into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the spices to toast for about a minute.

3. Pour in the can of coconut milk and stir well to combine the curry powder with the coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir them into the curry sauce. Allow the curry to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Stir in the ssamjang, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to taste. Ssamjang is a spicy and savory sauce, so adjust the amount according to your preference for heat and flavor.

6. Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that ssamjang already contains salt, so taste the curry before adding additional salt.

7. Serve the ssamjang curry hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. It pairs well with steamed rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your ssamjang curry with coconut milk and chickpeas! Pair with a bowl of rice, crusty bread or on its own.

Chili garlic

Chili garlics are one of your best friends in the pantry when it comes to upping your flavor. In this dish we finished this beautiful stew with a dollop of Flyby Jing. Give ‘em a try! Love their product and the packaging too!

Herbs

Herbs are always best to garnish a dish! We have cilantro and alfalfa sprouts here in the garden. Not only full of vitamins and minerals but also adds a refreshing taste and really completes the dish. Feel free to use the recipe card as a guide or just to follow the video!

Cook Mindfully

Each move you do in the kitchen, practice noticing. Notice the potent smell of chili garlic, the creamy coconut milk, the smell of sautéed aromatics. Know that you are doing important work, you are nourishing beings around you and making something healthy and tasty. Now head on to the kitchen and get mindful.

Variations

- Customize the vegetables in the Ssamjang chickpea curry with quinoa based on your preferences and what you have available. Some options include bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Stirring in some pumpkin puree for a creamy texture is a good idea. Add some plant protein or any types of mushroom, deepen the flavor by adding vegan fish sauce.

- Add additional spices or herbs to enhance the flavor of the curry. Using tomato paste brings out great flavor too. Consider adding cumin, turmeric, paprika, or coriander for extra depth. Onion powder, garam masala, and other aromatic spices. Feel free to experiment with your own spice blend. Use dried spices, red pepper flakes, garlic powder or any Indian spices.

- Experiment with different types of legumes instead of chickpeas. Lentils, black beans, or kidney beans can be delicious alternatives.

Substitutions

- If you don't have ssamjang sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce and gochujang paste. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired level of spiciness and flavor.

- Instead of quinoa, you can use rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

- If you prefer a creamier curry, you can substitute coconut milk for the vegetable broth, or oat milk. Coconut cream makes your dish extra creamy too.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Yes, this dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the ssamjang sauce and other ingredients used are gluten-free. Check the labels or make homemade versions using gluten-free ingredients.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan?

A: Yes, this dish is already vegan-friendly as it uses chickpeas and vegetable-based ingredients. Just ensure that the ssamjang sauce you use is also vegan.

Storage

Leftover Ssamjang chickpea curry with quinoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot or microwave until heated through before serving. If the curry thickens upon refrigeration, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating to adjust the consistency.

Enjoy your flavorful Ssamjang chickpea curry with quinoa for dinner tonight! This dish combines the rich flavors of ssamjang sauce with protein-packed chickpeas and nutritious quinoa making a delicious meal. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and legumes to make it a satisfying and wholesome meal. Garnish with green onion, add some red bell pepper or sprinkle some sweet paprika, a splash of lemon juice for that little kick.