Introduction
Indulge in a delightful dish that brings together the warmth of spices and the freshness of fish. This recipe features a creamy chickpea and fish curry, enhanced by the tangy sweetness of mango chutney and rich tikka masala. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal for all.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
2 tablespoons mango chutney
1 x 400g tin of quality plum tomatoes
1 x 400g tin of chickpeas
2 x 140g fillets white fish, skin off, such as pollock, haddock, hake, or cod, from sustainable sources
1 lemon
3 tablespoons natural yoghurt
Optional: fresh coriander
Optional: fresh red chilli
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3
This vibrant dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a satisfying explosion of flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting aromas and the heartiness of the chickpeas and fish, all wrapped in a luscious sauce. Whether served for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this curry recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Place a large saucepan on a medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Peel and finely slice the 3 cloves of garlic. Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute or until it begins to turn golden brown. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tikka masala paste and cook for an additional minute. Then, add 2 tablespoons of mango chutney and 1 tin (400g) of quality plum tomatoes, breaking the tomatoes up with a spoon. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, and then use a hand blender to blitz the mixture until smooth.
Step 2: Cooking the Chickpeas and Fish
Return the pan to medium heat, then stir in 1 tin (400g) of chickpeas (including the juice). Bring to a boil once more. Add 2 fillets (140g each) of white fish, skin off (such as pollock, haddock, hake, or cod), to the pan. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and fully cooked through. Ripple in 2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt, finely grate a little lemon zest over the top, squeeze in a small amount of lemon juice, and season the dish with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serving the Dish
Spoon the dish into bowls and top with a dollop of yoghurt. Optionally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and slices of fresh red chilli if desired. This dish is delicious when served with steamed rice, naan, and a fresh salad.
Notes
Note 1: Ingredient Quality
Make sure to use quality plum tomatoes and chickpeas for the best flavor and texture in the dish.
Note 2: Fish Sustainability
Choose fish fillets from sustainable sources to support responsible fishing practices.
Note 3: Adjusting Spice Levels
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more tikka masala paste or including additional fresh red chillies.
Note 4: Accompaniments
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, and a fresh salad, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Cook techniques
Chopping Garlic
Peel the garlic cloves and finely slice them using a sharp knife. This technique releases more flavor and aroma while cooking.
Blending Sauce
After cooking the garlic, tikka masala paste, and other ingredients, use a hand blender to achieve a smooth sauce. This helps to create a creamy texture that will enhance the dish.
Simmering
Bring the chickpeas and fish to a simmer after blending the sauce. Simmering ensures that the fish cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the sauce.
Grating Lemon Zest
Use a microplane or fine grater to finely grate the lemon zest. This technique adds a burst of citrus flavor without adding too much acidity.
Garnishing Dish
Top the finished dish with a dollop of natural yoghurt, fresh coriander leaves, and slices of red chili for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dry?
Yes, canned chickpeas are convenient and already cooked, making them perfect for this recipe.
What type of fish can I use?
Sustainable white fish such as pollock, haddock, hake, or cod work well for this dish.
Is tikka masala paste spicy?
It can vary in spice level, so check the label for heat guidance, or adjust the amount according to your preference.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can omit the fish and add more chickpeas or vegetables for a vegetarian option.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, and a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This delightful dish combines the vibrancy of tikka masala with the sweetness of mango chutney, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the flaky white fish and hearty chickpeas. The use of natural yoghurt adds a creamy dimension, while a hint of lemon brightens the overall profile. Perfectly served with rice, naan, or a fresh salad, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also showcases a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Chickpea Curry
Replace the fish with diced sweet potatoes and add spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
Tomato and Chickpea Soup
Add vegetable broth and fresh herbs to the blended tomato and chickpea mix for a light and warming soup.
Fish Tacos
Use the cooked fish in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of the mango chutney for a vibrant taco night.
Lentil and Tomato Stew
Substitute chickpeas with green or brown lentils and add diced bell peppers for an earthy and filling stew.
Curried Quinoa Bowl
Serve the chickpeas and fish over a bed of quinoa, topped with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice for a nutritious grain bowl.
