I’m not the super mom of my dreams. The mom who both stays at home with the babe and effortlessly works a full time job in her free time. (Free time? Ha.) The mom who has dinner thought out a week in advance. The mom who has clean sinks and clean, folded laundry too. The mom who is well dressed with makeup to accompany. No, no. I’m not the super mom of my dreams.
I am the mom who stays at home and works a full time job begging the babe to hold off on the piercing screams for just 5 more minutes until I can get that file sent off. That file that doesn’t seem to want to save. I am the mom who never plans dinner until 6 pm rolls around. Who has dirty clothes forming mountains, valleys, and plateaus land sliding out the closet. Let’s not even mention the sinks. I am the mom who wears yoga pants every single day and makeup once a week. The mom who starts off every email with an apology—sorry for the delay. I am that mom. The mom I swore I’d never be.
This motherhood business is tough. I’m everything I used to be plus a mom with no extra hours in the day. I’m quickly learning, I’ll never be enough for everyone. Not even myself. I’m preaching to the choir now. If you have little ones, you know. (A post for another day—I never understood the special mom bond until now. It’s real. It’s a club—a much needed club.)
It’s a constant juggle. One that makes me go mad more often than I’d like to admit. But most days, we’re happy. Healthy. And somehow well fed, even if at the eleventh hour (no pun intended).
Since the arrival of the chickadee, I’ve been working on my quick meal repertoire, and this one made the cut. It comes together in 30 minutes time with most ingredients sitting in the pantry. It’s vegetarian, as we seem to be eating less and less meat these days. Flavor isn’t compromised with the brevity of the cook time. There’s a touch of half and half to calm the acidity of the tomatoes. Feel free to sub in coconut milk. The addition of lime and cilantro, although not necessary, brings a fresh touch to this pantry meal.
Side note: As I’m editing this post, I realize these pictures are much too clean and orderly to represent my current state of life. I think I’ll keep it that way for now. This space is my escape. My piece of normalcy. As is The Good Wife, House of Cards, Parenthood, Damages...
This is one of those quick, throw together meals. Most of the ingredients are already in your pantry. Every time I make this meal I swear I’ll make naan in advance, but I always find myself hurriedly throwing this together. I guess that’s the beauty of this recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
2 c. water
1 tbsp. butter
dash of salt
1 c. basmati
Chickpea Sauce
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. (heaping) curry
1/2 tsp. cumin powder
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. coriander
1 large can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz.) chickpeas, drained
1/3 c. half and half (or coconut milk)
salt, to taste
Garnish
squeeze of lime
plain greek yogurt
cilantro
sriracha
Instructions
Make rice. In a small saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Stir in basmati. Cover and turn heat to medium low. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep lid on, and continue steaming until serving.
Make sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until warm. Add in onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
Stir in spices and toast, about 1 minute.
Add in tomatoes, chickpeas, and half and half. Season with salt to taste. Cook for another 15 minutes or so to allow flavor to develop. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Garnish. Serve chickpeas over rice. Top with fresh lime, yogurt, cilantro, and sriracha.
Notes
• If/when you can swing it, homemade wheat naan pairs nicely with this dish.
• Lately we’ve been using Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes for extra flavor real quick.
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I made this last night, and it was delicious, and so fast and easy to make. Served with hard boiled eggs, naan, and all the toppings you suggested as well as some Major Grey’s chutney. Thanks for a great meal idea.
Half and Half is half milk and half heavy cream. If you’re in the states, you can find it by the heavy cream at the store. If you’re not in the states, I’d be curious to know if they sell something similar or not.
No, I’m not in the states, thats why I was asking.. I’m vegan, so I wont be able to use either milk, either heavy cream, and I don’t really like coconut milk.. Is there anything left, that I can use to? Thanks for your replies. 🙂
I don’t know how you moms do it. This meal sounds great and PERFECTLY quick and easy. Love it. It inspired a much-needed new Pinterest board for me: Quick Meals. Looking forward to trying it!
I’m not part of the “mom club”, but I can see the “busy-ness” factor and trying to do everything a person normally would PLUS mom stuff. Especially ’cause little ones can’t really understand you too need sleep, to eat, to shower, etc…
The chickpeas look delicious. I love simple, spicy meals like this one!
Oh how I can so deeply identify, especially living in yoga pants:) Cheers to all the hardworking mama’s out there. Excited to try this! I’m collecting/creating more practical meal recipes for this next season of life, with a a 2 year old and new babe on the way.
Just wanted to chime in and welcome you (and myself) to the club! Motherhood is pure survival, that’s for sure. If I want to get anything decent on the table, I start in the morning, no joke. But they’re only babies for a short while, Thank God! 😀 Keep it up, sister, and I’ll try and do the same 🙂
None of us are that mom, or the mom we meant to be. But every day you are raising another human being! And therefore you are awesome every day! At least that’s what I keep having to tell myself, haha, because I’m having a lot of the same feelings and dilemmas! It really is so hard, and hard in so many ways I didn’t expect. I know you’re being a spectacular mom. Go you!
Similar to one of my favorite go-to dinners – that I’d long forgotten about. Thanks to this post, I made it last night. So good! I have to recommend some toasted almonds on top…if you have any extra bandwidth. They add the best crunch.
Melissa, you ARE super mom! I too am a stay at home mom of 2 kids that works full time from my kitchen and computer. My daughter is 12 and our son is 2. Some days are full of miniature disasters, mountains of laundry, and dishes, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. The two of you will figure out your system and schedule and get into a groove, I promise. Then, just a soon as you are feeling pretty proud of yourself your little Halle will change it all up on you to keep you on your toes. Embrace it, cherish it, and try not to be too hard on yourself. These moments fly by and although they are hectic they are the most precious. I am making this dish today, I simply cannot wait to try it!
I can tell you for a fact that you are doing awesome with work (so very excited!) and I know you are a great mom!! Seriously, I agree with Ashley, you are super mom!!
And and I love this simple meal. Indian is such a great flavor!
Hey friend! Please go easy on yourself. You’re doing a lot and I know you’re a wonderful mom to Halle. She doesn’t mind the laundry pile. This meal looks just perfect—I’m craving all sorts of saucy, hearty, tomato-y meals this winter.
I love these photos and this simple recipe. Chickpeas and Indian flavors are the best…especially accompanied by rice. You are doing a tremendous job at work + motherhood!! I just know you are! It is a LOT. And it is okay to be overwhelmed. I don’t have a child and I’m overwhelmed pretty frequently, with piles of laundry + dishes. 🙂 You ARE super mom!!!
I feel you on so many fronts. So. Many. Babies and life, it’s an education all it’s own and I am converted to mom club no doubt. Plus we made something oh so similar last night but sub crusty bread for rice and a fried egg for yogurt. Delicious. I totally get you right now.
Girl, you are doing AWESOME. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I mean…I can barely handle taking care of the.boy and myself and we are GROWN ADULTS. I could definitely use more 30 minute meals in my life. Especially ones that involve curry and chickpeas!
kudos to all the moms out there because i was just getting so annoyed at myself because being a single, young professional i cant keep things balanced, have dinners ahead of time and find an extra hour to just chill. I bet you and the little one will soon find the balance where everything will run smoothly just like you have imaged 🙂 and easy meals – please keep it coming.
You are super mom! no matter what. When I had my daughter I was shocked how much work goes into it! And I was full of admiration and appreciation to other women who had children. Being a mom, It is one of the hardest job on the world! Staying at home mom, is definitely THE MOST CHALLENGING! I could not do it. But… your “peanut” is still very small and in few months or few years you forget about many of the hardships and it will get much easier:) till you get another one:). Someone told me… not to worry much…. everything is just a phase and it will pass … Be kind to yourself!:) Also…love this recipe! Typically I make my chickpeas just with curry powder but I am sure the additional spices give an extra flavor; especially the cinnamon. Coconut milk also gives a such a nice finishing touch!!! Will make it soon and report back!:)
I love the honesty in this post Melissa; you’re doing a great job balancing everything. It’s not easy at the best of times but I can imagine that your gorgeous babe just makes it even harder. Much love to you (+ the family) and here’s to lots of quick + delicious meals to keep you going!
Welcome to the club – you’re doing a great job, Melissa.. Every mom new or old can never hear that enough, I think. This dish looks yummy and the perfect kind of dinner to make with little-ies running around.
How ironic – I recently printed out a recipe for a soup which is almost – but not quite – like your recipe. I like your recipe better ’cause it’s creamy and can be served over Basmatti rice, which I love! About ‘babies’ – we never, ever realize how much work they are & how little time we have for ourselves until we actually become mothers. My twins are now 40 (OMG!!) but I sooo remember having hardly any time to shower etc. etc. I give you a lot of credit for being able to still accomplish things! One last thing – I honestly think the Perfect Mother doesn’t exist!! ; o )
Well, you probably couldn’t have said this any better. If anything, motherhood is a big lesson in humility. And love. You are exactly the mama your sweet babe needs. No more, no less. That’s just how it should be. Love to you, give yourself some grace, you’re doing beautifully.
Loved this post! I’m not a mom, but I grew up taking care of my new baby brother at 14. While my mom was frazzled and tired trying to take care of the baby, I would try to help out as much as she good so she could shower, eat, and do normal person things that seem to lose priority with a shrieking baby around. I hope you find your rhythm soon, and are able to navigate around the mountains and valleys of laundry (although as a student, the excuse I have are readings and papers…so is school my baby?). In the meantime, enjoy House of Cards (BECAUSE ITS AMAZING.) and I look forward to seeing your other quick recipes =)
This is fantastic! A new staple recipe for sure 🙂
Thank you. I made this tonight and it was so very very delicious. This recipe is going to go on my regular cooking cycle! 🙂 🙂 🙂 We loved it.
I prepared this dish yesterday and all that I have to say is…simply delicious…and thank you for the inspiration *
I’m making some kind of version of this receipe. thanks
I made this last night, and it was delicious, and so fast and easy to make. Served with hard boiled eggs, naan, and all the toppings you suggested as well as some Major Grey’s chutney. Thanks for a great meal idea.
Just made this! Super yummy and easy. I’m always looking for meatless meals. Thank you!
I’m sorry, but what is that “1/3 c. half and half “?
Half and Half is half milk and half heavy cream. If you’re in the states, you can find it by the heavy cream at the store. If you’re not in the states, I’d be curious to know if they sell something similar or not.
No, I’m not in the states, thats why I was asking.. I’m vegan, so I wont be able to use either milk, either heavy cream, and I don’t really like coconut milk.. Is there anything left, that I can use to?
Thanks for your replies. 🙂
Sorry for the delay! We’re getting over a cold. You can use water or broth to help thin the sauce out a bit.
This was a big hit in my house tonight; we loved it! I found you from Oh My Veggies last week.
So glad you guys liked it!
I don’t know how you moms do it. This meal sounds great and PERFECTLY quick and easy. Love it. It inspired a much-needed new Pinterest board for me: Quick Meals. Looking forward to trying it!
Never have I agreed more. I’m 3 and a half weeks in and I understand and agree with EVERY WORD. This ish is tough!
And I want that bowl.
I made this for dinner tonight…..DELICIOUS!!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!
This recipe sounds delicious, and I love those bowls. 🙂
I’m not part of the “mom club”, but I can see the “busy-ness” factor and trying to do everything a person normally would PLUS mom stuff. Especially ’cause little ones can’t really understand you too need sleep, to eat, to shower, etc…
The chickpeas look delicious. I love simple, spicy meals like this one!
This looks so good! I just stumbled upon your blog and love everything about it. Thanks for a great recipe!
Oh how I can so deeply identify, especially living in yoga pants:) Cheers to all the hardworking mama’s out there. Excited to try this! I’m collecting/creating more practical meal recipes for this next season of life, with a a 2 year old and new babe on the way.
Just wanted to chime in and welcome you (and myself) to the club! Motherhood is pure survival, that’s for sure. If I want to get anything decent on the table, I start in the morning, no joke. But they’re only babies for a short while, Thank God! 😀 Keep it up, sister, and I’ll try and do the same 🙂
Love your photos! This recipe looks easy and I want to make it this week!
Gorgeous photos! Thank you for making time to share.
None of us are that mom, or the mom we meant to be. But every day you are raising another human being! And therefore you are awesome every day! At least that’s what I keep having to tell myself, haha, because I’m having a lot of the same feelings and dilemmas! It really is so hard, and hard in so many ways I didn’t expect. I know you’re being a spectacular mom. Go you!
Similar to one of my favorite go-to dinners – that I’d long forgotten about. Thanks to this post, I made it last night. So good! I have to recommend some toasted almonds on top…if you have any extra bandwidth. They add the best crunch.
Melissa, you ARE super mom! I too am a stay at home mom of 2 kids that works full time from my kitchen and computer. My daughter is 12 and our son is 2. Some days are full of miniature disasters, mountains of laundry, and dishes, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The two of you will figure out your system and schedule and get into a groove, I promise. Then, just a soon as you are feeling pretty proud of yourself your little Halle will change it all up on you to keep you on your toes. Embrace it, cherish it, and try not to be too hard on yourself. These moments fly by and although they are hectic they are the most precious.
I am making this dish today, I simply cannot wait to try it!
I can tell you for a fact that you are doing awesome with work (so very excited!) and I know you are a great mom!! Seriously, I agree with Ashley, you are super mom!!
And and I love this simple meal. Indian is such a great flavor!
Hey friend! Please go easy on yourself. You’re doing a lot and I know you’re a wonderful mom to Halle. She doesn’t mind the laundry pile. This meal looks just perfect—I’m craving all sorts of saucy, hearty, tomato-y meals this winter.
I love these photos and this simple recipe. Chickpeas and Indian flavors are the best…especially accompanied by rice. You are doing a tremendous job at work + motherhood!! I just know you are! It is a LOT. And it is okay to be overwhelmed. I don’t have a child and I’m overwhelmed pretty frequently, with piles of laundry + dishes. 🙂 You ARE super mom!!!
I feel you on so many fronts. So. Many. Babies and life, it’s an education all it’s own and I am converted to mom club no doubt. Plus we made something oh so similar last night but sub crusty bread for rice and a fried egg for yogurt. Delicious. I totally get you right now.
Girl, you are doing AWESOME. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I mean…I can barely handle taking care of the.boy and myself and we are GROWN ADULTS. I could definitely use more 30 minute meals in my life. Especially ones that involve curry and chickpeas!
kudos to all the moms out there because i was just getting so annoyed at myself because being a single, young professional i cant keep things balanced, have dinners ahead of time and find an extra hour to just chill. I bet you and the little one will soon find the balance where everything will run smoothly just like you have imaged 🙂 and easy meals – please keep it coming.
You are super mom! no matter what. When I had my daughter I was shocked how much work goes into it! And I was full of admiration and appreciation to other women who had children. Being a mom, It is one of the hardest job on the world! Staying at home mom, is definitely THE MOST CHALLENGING! I could not do it. But… your “peanut” is still very small and in few months or few years you forget about many of the hardships and it will get much easier:) till you get another one:). Someone told me… not to worry much…. everything is just a phase and it will pass … Be kind to yourself!:)
Also…love this recipe! Typically I make my chickpeas just with curry powder but I am sure the additional spices give an extra flavor; especially the cinnamon. Coconut milk also gives a such a nice finishing touch!!! Will make it soon and report back!:)
I love the honesty in this post Melissa; you’re doing a great job balancing everything. It’s not easy at the best of times but I can imagine that your gorgeous babe just makes it even harder. Much love to you (+ the family) and here’s to lots of quick + delicious meals to keep you going!
Welcome to the club – you’re doing a great job, Melissa.. Every mom new or old can never hear that enough, I think. This dish looks yummy and the perfect kind of dinner to make with little-ies running around.
A lovely, comforting and best of all, no-fuss dish! I’m channeling indian themed chickpeas this week as well! Great minds!
This is probably a silly question, but when you say “curry,” does that refer to paste or powder?
Not silly at all. It’s powder. Just updated it. Thanks for the catch!
How ironic – I recently printed out a recipe for a soup which is almost – but not quite – like your recipe. I like your recipe better ’cause it’s creamy and can be served over Basmatti rice, which I love! About ‘babies’ – we never, ever realize how much work they are & how little time we have for ourselves until we actually become mothers. My twins are now 40 (OMG!!) but I sooo remember having hardly any time to shower etc. etc. I give you a lot of credit for being able to still accomplish things! One last thing – I honestly think the Perfect Mother doesn’t exist!! ; o )
Looks wonderful and easy! I’ll make it this week!
I love chick peas! Must make this soon. Looks amazing!
Well, you probably couldn’t have said this any better. If anything, motherhood is a big lesson in humility. And love. You are exactly the mama your sweet babe needs. No more, no less. That’s just how it should be. Love to you, give yourself some grace, you’re doing beautifully.
Loved this post! I’m not a mom, but I grew up taking care of my new baby brother at 14. While my mom was frazzled and tired trying to take care of the baby, I would try to help out as much as she good so she could shower, eat, and do normal person things that seem to lose priority with a shrieking baby around.
I hope you find your rhythm soon, and are able to navigate around the mountains and valleys of laundry (although as a student, the excuse I have are readings and papers…so is school my baby?). In the meantime, enjoy House of Cards (BECAUSE ITS AMAZING.) and I look forward to seeing your other quick recipes =)
Yum! I love Indian food! Simple and fast!
Thank you for all that you do!
Pinned,
K-