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| Chickpea & Vegetable Curry Meal Prep Bowl |
When it comes to meal prep, the goal is to combine flavor, nutrition, and convenience into one practical dish. This vibrant curry bowl is exactly that: creamy chickpea and vegetable curry, fluffy rice, sliced avocado, extra chickpeas, and fresh herbs, all neatly organized in a lunchbox. Not only does it look vibrant and appetizing, but it’s also a nutrient-dense meal packed with fiber, healthy fats, plant-based protein, and warm spices.
The curry is hearty yet light, filled with peas, carrots, spinach, and tender chickpeas simmered in a creamy golden sauce. Fresh lime wedges and cilantro brighten it up, while avocado adds creaminess. This dish is both comforting and refreshing—a perfect everyday lunch.
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Chickpea Curry:
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1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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1–2 tbsp curry powder (mild or hot)
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1 tsp turmeric
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½ tsp cumin
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1 medium carrot, sliced
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1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed)
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1 cup chopped spinach
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1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
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½ cup vegetable broth or water
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1–2 tsp lemon or lime juice
For the Rice:
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1 cup white or brown rice
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2 cups water
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Pinch of salt
For Serving:
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1 ripe avocado, sliced
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1 cup extra chickpeas
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1 lime, cut into wedges
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Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
Rice is the base that holds everything together, so fluffy grains are important.
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Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
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Add rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a pot.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes for white rice or 35–40 minutes for brown rice.
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Turn off the heat and let it steam for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Set aside to cool slightly before assembling the meal prep boxes.
2. Make the Vegetable Chickpea Curry
This curry is creamy, mildly spiced, and full of vegetables—perfect for meal prep because the flavors actually improve after a day.
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Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
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Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
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Sprinkle curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir to coat the onion mixture and awaken the spices.
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Add sliced carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in chickpeas, green peas, and chopped spinach.
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Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth.
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Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the curry thickens and the vegetables soften.
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Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
The consistency should be rich and creamy but not overly thick—perfect for spooning over rice.
3. Prepare the Additional Toppings
These toppings make the meal fresher and more balanced:
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Slice the avocado thinly.
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Rinse canned chickpeas if using them for the topping.
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Chop fresh cilantro.
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Cut the lime into wedges.
4. Assemble the Meal Prep Boxes
To recreate the layout from your photo:
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Spoon cooked rice into one section of each container.
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Add a generous portion of the vegetable chickpea curry beside it.
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Place sliced avocado on top of the rice.
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Add a portion of extra chickpeas in the top corner.
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Sprinkle cilantro and red pepper flakes over the avocado and curry.
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Add a lime wedge for squeezing later.
The boxes should look colorful, neatly arranged, and inviting—just like the photo.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Keep the avocado slices fresh by adding them only on the day of eating, or brush them with lemon juice to slow browning.
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Reheat the curry and rice, then add fresh toppings afterward.
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Use airtight containers to keep rice fluffy and curry moist.
Why This Dish Works for Meal Prep
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Balanced: Protein from chickpeas, complex carbs from rice, healthy fats from avocado.
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Nutritious: Full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Flavorful: Curry spices and coconut milk deliver big taste.
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Convenient: Everything fits perfectly in a lunchbox and reheats beautifully.
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Customizable: Add lentils, sweet potatoes, tofu, or any vegetables you prefer.
Final Thought
This Chickpea & Vegetable Curry Meal Prep Bowl is the perfect combination of satisfying comfort and refreshing vibrancy. The creamy curry brings warmth and depth, the avocado adds smooth richness, and the rice and chickpeas deliver energy to fuel your day. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly delicious—proof that meal prep doesn’t have to be boring.
Bon Appétit! 🌿🥑🍛