Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Chickpea Curry with Pumpkin and Kale #Halloween Recipe by @Leslie Karst


Before I get to today's recipe, I'm excited to announce that my latest Orchid Isle mystery, WATERS OF DESTRUCTION, was just released yesterday as a trade paperback, at the new low price of $16.99--yippee! (Buy link here.)

Okay, now onto the food. This is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish (adapted from a New York Times recipe), perfect for the cooler autumn nights many of us are now starting to experience, and the perfect way to spice up your early Halloween celebrations with some pumpkin!

 


Chickpea Curry with Pumpkin and Kale

(serves 4-6)


Ingredients


3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1” piece of ginger, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 ½ teaspoons garam masala

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

2 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed

1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk

1 13.5-oz. can pumpkin purée

1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)

1 bunch kale, tough ribs removed and coarsely chopped

3 tablespoons lime juice

chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

 




Directions


Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat till shimmering, then add the onions. Cook, stirring often, until just starting to brown (6-8 minutes). 

 


Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for 2 minutes, then add the garam marsala, cumin, and turmeric and cook for another minute.

 




Stir in the chickpeas, coconut milk, pumpkin, ½ cup water, and the salt. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 



 

Add the kale and continue to cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

 


Add the lime juice and more water, if it’s too thick.

 


Serve over steamed rice with a cilantro garnish. 

 


 

🌱  🍋  🌿

 

 

Out now in paperback!

Orchid Isle Mystery  #2

WATERS OF DESTRUCTION

Buy link here

 

"Immerse yourself in Hawaiian lore and savor the portrayal of the stunning landscapes
while enjoying the entertaining mystery."

Kirkus Reviews

 



Also available

in paperback!

MOLTEN DEATH

Orchid Isle Mystery  #1

Buy link here

 

2025 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Mystery!

 

“Karst’s first Orchid Isle novel is part murder mystery, part vividly evocative, colorful sketch of Hawaii and its history, geography, tradition, culture, food, language, and people. Armchair travelers and mystery aficionados alike will find it entertaining.”

Booklist

 


This first book in my brand-new Orchid Isle mystery series features retired caterer Valerie Corbin and her wife Kristen who, on a trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i, swap surfing lessons for sleuthing sessions when a hike to an active lava flow turns deadly. 

 

Praise for MOLTEN DEATH:


“a compelling read that will enlighten, engage, and entertain, leaving readers longing for their next trip to the Orchid Isle.”

--New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay




“a terrific debut to a series that will go on my must read list!”

--USA Today bestselling author Deborah Crombie

 

 

A SENSE FOR MURDER

2024 Lefty Award Finalist

for Best Humorous Mystery!

This newest Sally Solari mystery

is available for purchase here !

 

Praise for A SENSE FOR MURDER:

 

“[Sally is] sassy, irresistible company... Culinary cozy fans will be in heaven.”

 --Publishers Weekly

 

“An enjoyable read for mystery mavens and foodies alike.”

--Kirkus Reviews




Justice is Served:  A Tale of Scallops,

the Law, and Cooking for RBG

is the 2024 Silver Medal Winner for both the

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award

and the IPPY Award!


Buy link here



 

 
 
Praise for Justice is Served:
 
"a suspenseful, exhilarating memoir; Karst relays her determination to serve the 'perfect' meal to RBG alongside an uplifting, enlightening portrayal of one of the most admired justices in the history of the Supreme Court." 
 

-Foreword Reviews (starred review)

 

"[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more."

-Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine-



All of the Sally Solari Mysteries (as well as my other books) are available through AmazonBarnes and Noble, and Bookshop.


 

 

 

 

1 comment:

  1. Congratulations on the release of WATERS OF DESTRUCTION!
    Thank you for the yummy Chickpea Curry with Pumpkin and Kale recipe. Sounds like a delicious way to warm up these cooler evenings.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete