When dinner needs to get on the table fast, Jenn Louis isn’t afraid to make a mess. The Portland, Oregon, chef and author of “The Book of Greens” has a go-to throw-together meal inspired by Indian butter chicken—except she uses chickpeas. “It will come together in a mess of wonderfulness,” she says of the classically creamy-rich and warmly spiced dish. To make, in a large saucepan over medium-high, melt 4 tablespoons salted butter. Add 1 medium red onion (chopped) and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, then cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 4 medium plum tomatoes (cored and chopped), 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon each ground coriander, ground turmeric and ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes have fully broken down, 6 to 8 minutes. Add 2½ cups water and bring to a simmer. Add three 15½-ounce cans chickpeas (rinsed and drained), then cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and has thickened enough to cling to the chickpeas, 7 to 9 minutes. Off heat, stir in 2 teaspoons honey, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro and warmed naan or steamed basmati rice.
Kitchen Cabinet
Jenn Louis Rethinks Butter Chicken... with Chickpeas
From
May-June 2020
Photos: Connie Miller of CB Creatives (butter chickpeas); Styling: Christine Tobin
Free