Name: Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons (22g) vegan butter; ¼ sweet onion, chopped (about 2.5 ounces / 70g); 1 leek, trimmed and cleaned, chopped (about 4 ounces / 118g); 1 teaspoon or 2 cloves (7g) minced garlic; ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste; 1 can (15.5 ounces / 439g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth; 1 cup (240ml) lite coconut milk; 1 cup (42g) kale

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If you are craving a comforting and nourishing meal that is both vibrant and satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe. This stew is a beautiful blend of tender chickpeas, hearty kale, and silky coconut milk, all simmered to perfection with aromatic aromatics like leeks, garlic, and a pinch of spice. It’s a quick and easy dish that promises big flavors and a creamy texture without any dairy needed, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome lunch or dinner that warms the soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image displays a wooden board on a white marbled surface with six white bowls of different sizes, each containing separate ingredients for a dish. In the center, there is a large bowl filled with chopped light green celery and onion pieces. To the lower right is another large bowl filled with round, beige chickpeas. To the upper left, a smaller bowl holds dark green leafy kale. A small bowl at the top right contains thick white cream or sour cream. Below the kale, a medium bowl contains a dark brown liquid, possibly broth or sauce. To the lower left, a medium bowl is filled with a white creamy ingredient, possibly yogurt or mayonnaise. Lastly, a very small white bowl at the bottom left contains finely chopped light beige ingredients, likely minced garlic. The arrangement is neat and all bowls are clean and white. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to making this stew shine. Each component adds its own unique touch, whether it’s the richness of vegan butter or the brightness of kale, creating a harmonious bowl of creamy goodness.

Vegan butter (2 tablespoons/22g): Adds a luscious, rich base for sautéing and boosts depth of flavor.
Sweet onion (¼, about 2.5 ounces/70g): Offers subtle sweetness and a tender bite once cooked.
Leek (1, trimmed & cleaned, about 4 ounces/118g): Contributes a mild, grassy aroma that elevates the stew’s complexity.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon or 2 cloves/7g): Brings warmth and a savory punch to the dish.
Salt (¼ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors, making everything pop.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon or to taste): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and earthiness.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon or to taste): Infuse a subtle kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Chickpeas (1 can, 15.5 ounces/439g, drained and rinsed): The hearty star of the stew with creamy texture and protein-packed goodness.
Vegetable broth (1 cup/240ml): Provides a flavorful liquid base that ties the ingredients together.
Lite coconut milk (1 cup/240ml): Creates the creamy, dreamy texture and lends a slightly sweet, tropical nuance.
Kale (1 cup/42g): Adds vibrant color, a fresh earthy taste, and a nutritional boost.

How to Make Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting the vegan butter in a medium pot over low heat. Once melted, add the chopped sweet onion, leek, and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture over medium-low heat for about 7 minutes until the onions and leeks become translucent and release their fragrant aroma. This method slowly develops a sweet, mellow foundation crucial for the stew’s comforting flavor.

Step 2: Season and Coat Chickpeas

Next, sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally to blend the spices with the sautéed veggies. Then, add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, cooking them for about one minute just to allow the seasoning to coat the beans. This quick step ensures every bite bursts with well-rounded flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Kale

Pour in the vegetable broth and lite coconut milk to the pot, then toss in the fresh kale leaves. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender, and the stew thickens slightly, melding all the layers of flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your stew and make any seasoning adjustments to suit your palate. This step lets you personalize the dish, whether adding a pinch more salt, extra pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Serve Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a creamy soup with large, bright green kale leaves on top and throughout. The soup has a yellowish cream base with visible chickpeas adding texture and small pieces of light onion mixed in. The kale leaves look soft and fresh, covering the chickpeas and cream evenly. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your bowl of stew with garnishes that add texture and bursts of flavor. Crispy fried onions make a fantastic topping, providing crunch that contrasts the creamy stew. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add a lovely freshness and vibrant color on top.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the silky coconut broth. You might also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad or steamed rice to soak up every last bit of deliciousness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew in rustic bowls to highlight its cozy, homespun charm. For a colorful twist, add a swirl of coconut cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. You can also top it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra layer of brightness that complements the creamy chickpea and kale stew with coconut milk recipe beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This stew freezes well, making it a fantastic option for batch cooking. Store in freezer-safe containers without the optional garnishes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

Gently reheat your stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh coconut milk instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh coconut milk will add an even richer, creamier texture to your stew. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the perfect balance of flavors.

Is this stew vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe is both vegan and gluten-free as written, making it a great choice for many dietary needs.

Can I substitute the kale with other greens?

Definitely. Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens are excellent alternatives that will still add color and nutrients to the stew.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

What can I use instead of vegan butter?

If you don’t have vegan butter, olive oil or coconut oil would work well to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the stew.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Creamy Chickpea and Kale Stew with Coconut Milk Recipe a try—it’s one of those easy, feel-good meals that quickly becomes a favorite. The way the tender chickpeas mingle with the silky coconut broth and vibrant kale creates a delightful bowl that’s both nourishing and comforting. Serve it up on a chilly day or whenever you need a little cozy indulgence, and trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!