Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) with a fan setting. Place the diced sweet potato on a baking tray. Toss with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Bake for around 20 minutes or until cooked through.
In a medium-sized pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, cooking until softened and slightly browned. Stir in the ginger and garlic paste, cooking for an additional minute.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of Madras curry powder with the onions, frying until aromatic. (You can increase by additional 1tbsp for stronger flavour)
Introduce the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Pour in vegetable stock to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for around 10 minutes to soften the chickpeas.
Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk and the roasted sweet potato. Simmer until the curry reaches your desired consistency. Taste, adjusting seasoning if needed. Serve with basmati rice and fresh coriander. Enjoy!
Notes:
Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Do not skip roasting the sweet potatoes. This process enhances their natural sweetness and infuses the curry with a deeper flavour.
Choosing the Right Curry Powder: Opt for a high-quality Madras curry powder. Consider preparing your own spice blend with the provided recipe or select a reputable store-bought variant.
Selecting the Right Oil: Employ vegetable oil or ghee when pan-frying onions. Their high smoke points and distinct flavours complement the curry beautifully.
Handling Garlic and Ginger Paste: Exercise caution to avoid overcooking the garlic and ginger paste. A short cooking time of a minute or two suffices to unlock their aromatic profiles.
Prepping Chickpeas: Always drain and rinse chickpeas before incorporating them. This step eliminates excess salt and starch.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency: Ensure you add enough vegetable stock to submerge the solid ingredients. This quantity is key to getting the gravy texture right in the curry.
Opting for Creaminess: Go for full-fat coconut milk to achieve a creamy, rich consistency. Light coconut milk may yield a more watery outcome.
Final Flavour Adjustments: Before serving, taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking. You might find the need to introduce more salt, pepper, or even curry powder to meet your taste preferences.