June 30, 2026 · 10 min

Crunchy Curried Chickpea Bowls with Kale and Pickled Cabbage

Lunch10 min709 cal / serving

Get ready for a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This dish combines savory carrot-studded rice, tender sautéed kale, tangy pickled red cabbage and curry-spiced crispy chickpeas. Golden raisins add a touch of sweetness, while a creamy curry-lemon dressing ties it all together.

Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this bowl is as nutritious as it is delicious. Each component is simple to prepare and the combination of flavors will keep you coming back for more.


Recipe details

Lunch10 min709 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories709 kcalProtein13.6 gFat41.2 gCarbs70.5 gSugar18.2 gFiber6.7 gSodium4704 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Chickpeas1 unit ChickpeasView ingredient guide
Carrot3 ounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Kale4 ounce KaleView ingredient guide
Golden Raisins1 ounce Golden RaisinsView ingredient guide
Curry Powder1 tablespoon Curry PowderView ingredient guide
Basmati Rice0.5 cup Basmati RiceView ingredient guide
Shredded Red Cabbage4 ounce Shredded Red CabbageView ingredient guide
Sour Cream4.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide
Olive Oil4 teaspoon Olive OilView ingredient guide
Sugar1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guide
Butter3 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and adjust rack to top position. Wash and dry all produce. Drain and rinse chickpeas; pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim, peel and quarter the carrot lengthwise, then cut crosswise into ¼-inch pieces. Zest the lemon and cut it into quarters. Remove and discard large stems from kale; finely chop the leaves. Place golden raisins in a small bowl and cover with hot water; set aside.
  2. On a baking sheet, toss chickpeas with a generous drizzle of olive oil, half the curry powder, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until crispy, 18-20 minutes. (Note: chickpeas may pop slightly as they roast.)
  3. While chickpeas roast, melt 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings) in a small pot over high heat. Add carrot and ¼ teaspoon curry powder (½ teaspoon for 4 servings). Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add rice, 1 cup water (1¾ cups for 4), veggie stock concentrate and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  4. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine juice from three lemon wedges and 1 teaspoon sugar (six wedges and 2 teaspoons sugar for 4 servings); stir to dissolve. Add shredded red cabbage and 2 tablespoons water (4 tablespoons for 4); season with salt and pepper. Microwave for 1 minute. Set aside, tossing occasionally, until ready to serve. In a second small bowl, combine sour cream, lemon zest, remaining curry powder and juice from remaining lemon wedge. Season with salt and pepper. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the dressing reaches a drizzling consistency.
  5. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add kale and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings) until melted. Remove from heat.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings) and season with salt and pepper. Divide rice among bowls. Top with kale, pickled cabbage (drained) and crispy chickpeas in separate sections. Drain raisins and sprinkle over top (roughly chop if desired). Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Recipe Tips

For extra crispy chickpeas, make sure they are thoroughly dried before roasting.

If you prefer a milder curry flavor, reduce the curry powder by half.

The pickled cabbage can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute basmati rice with jasmine rice or long-grain white rice. Adjust cooking time and water ratio according to package instructions.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat rice and kale in the microwave or on the stovetop and re-crisp chickpeas in the oven if desired.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based sour cream or yogurt for the dressing.

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