Chickpea Curry – WellPlated.com (2024)

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Keep the ingredients for this simple, warming Chickpea Curry on hand (not difficult since most of them—canned tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices—are pantry staples) and you’re never more than 30 minutes from a nutritious, super satisfying vegetarian meal.

Chickpea Curry – WellPlated.com (1)

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“Curry” is a catch-all term for a saucy dish with vegetables and some kind of protein stewed together in a rich, aromatic sauce.

This particular tomato chickpea curry is Indian-inspired; it uses dry spices like curry powder and garam masala to build its royal flush of warm flavor, plus aromatics like garlic and ginger.

(Thai curries by contrast use chili pastes for their heat; see Coconut Curry and Green Curry for examples).

Creamy chickpea curry is not too spicy—coconut milk makes the sauce silky and balances the heat—so if you want a spicy iteration, you can add a pinch or two of additional cayenne.

Serve it with rice (try Turmeric Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice) or sop it up with fluffy Homemade Naan.

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How to Make Chickpea Curry

If this is your first time cooking an Indian dish, you’ll need to pick up two important spice blends: curry powder and garam masala.

The small up-front investment is worth it.

Once you have these two in your pantry, it opens a whole world of wonderful Indian-inspired recipes like Potato Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Paneer Tikka Masala.

The Ingredients

  • Chickpeas. Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins, chickpeas are a nutritious addition to a vegetarian dish like this one. They give the curry texture and have a mild nutty flavor. Chickpeas are also the star in Chickpea Soup.
  • Onion. It helps build deep flavor right from the start.
  • Spices. Garam masala and curry powder are critical flavor components in this recipe. Both contribute richness and depth of flavor. I also used a dash of cayenne to give the curry a little heat.

Substitution Tip

If you don’t have any garam masala on hand, you can swap it for an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons of curry powder.

  • Bay Leaf. Cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a lightly citrusy and peppery flavor.
  • Garlic + Ginger. Essential flavor builders in a curry recipe like this one.
  • Crushed Tomatoes. A key component in the curry’s rich coconut tomato sauce. The crushed tomatoes add liquid and flavor. Crushed tomatoes also create the perfect base in Shrimp Curry.
  • Coconut Milk. Full-fat coconut milk is the move here. It adds better flavor and helps create a luscious sauce.
  • Frozen Peas. Using frozen peas is my favorite, easy way to incorporate more veggies. No need to thaw them first.
  • Lime Juice. Adds a hint of acidity and wakes up all the other flavors.

Substitution Tip

Lemon juice would also work well here.

The Directions

  1. Cook the onion in oil with salt and pepper.
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  1. Add the bay leaf, spices, garlic, and ginger.
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  1. Stir in the tomatoes.
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  1. Pour in the chickpeas and coconut milk.
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  1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
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  1. Add the peas.
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  1. Remove the bay leaf. Serve as desired and garnish with fresh cilantro. DIG IN!
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Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate curry in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
  • To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. You can freeze chickpea curry. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip

Up to 1 day in advance, chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Store each ingredient separately in the refrigerator.

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Leftover Ideas

Upgrade your leftovers by incorporating some extra veggies. Add Air Fryer Cauliflower, Sauteed Spinach, or even Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Serve with your choice of flatbread or rice (basmati rice would be tasty).

What to Serve with Chickpea Curry

  • Dutch Oven. My go-to tool for preparing curries like this one.
  • Wooden Spoon. Perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot.
  • Measuring Spoons. You’ll love these double-sided, magnetic measuring spoons.

This easy chickpea curry will make you feel like a pantry wizard.

It’s amazing the dinner magic you can work with simple spices, and a little help from canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a Vegan Chickpea Curry?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as written.

Do You Have to Wash Canned Chickpeas?

You should drain and rinse canned chickpeas before using them in this recipe. Rinsing them first removes the excess sodium and starch.

How Healthy is Chickpea Curry?

With oodles of plant protein and fiber from the chickpeas, nutritious vegetables, and beneficial spices, this chickpea curry is a healthy meal.

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Review

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Chickpea Curry

4.93 from 13 votes

Easy Chickpea Curry recipe made with pantry staples liked canned tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk and spices. A healthy, satisfying vegetarian meal ready in 30 minutes.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil grapeseed oil, or coconut oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala or an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper reduce to 1/8 teaspoon if sensitive to spice
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger from about a 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans reduced sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk use regular, not lite
  • 10 ounces frozen peas no need to thaw, optional
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice or lemon juice
  • Prepared brown rice for serving (see Instant Pot Brown Rice)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for serving
  • Homemade naan warmed; optional for serving

Instructions

  • In a large, deep pot such as a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-low. Once it’s hot, add the onion, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed so that the onions brown but do not burn.

  • Stir in the bay leaf, garam masala, curry powder, cayenne, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring constantly, until the spices are ultra fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

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  • Pour in the tomatoes and stir, scraping up any bits that stuck to the bottom of the pot.

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  • Add the chickpeas and coconut milk.

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  • Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring from time to time and scraping a wooden spoon along the bottom of the pot to keep the curry from sticking.

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  • Add the peas and stir to warm through.

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  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired (I add a pinch or two more of salt). Fish out and discard the bay leaf. Serve hot over prepared rice with a big handful of chopped fresh cilantro, and warm naan.

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Video

Notes

  • TO STORE:Refrigerate curry in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: You can freeze chickpea curry. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 (of 4)Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 18gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 744mgPotassium: 1075mgFiber: 15gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 859IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 9mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Chickpea Curry – WellPlated.com (2024)

FAQs

How many days does chickpea curry last? ›

This simple chickpea curry can last between 5 and 7 days in the fridge. Just make sure to keep the curry in an airtight container to retain as much of the flavour and texture as possible. That way, you already have a prepped dinner or lunch that you can reheat within a few minutes whenever you get hungry.

Does coconut milk thicken curry? ›

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

What does chickpea curry contain? ›

About Chickpea Curry

Coconut Chickpea Curry is a simple & fast one pot Indian dish of curried chickpeas made with coconut milk, tomatoes and store-bought ground spices. That said, you can absolutely change up some of the flavors of this beautiful curry.

How to thicken a curry without flour? ›

If your curry is too runny, there are a few simple ways to thicken it. Try mixing in a few spoonfuls of thick, unflavored yogurt. If your curry is tomato-based, you can use tomato paste as a thickener. For curries with potatoes in them, simply mash a few of the potatoes as they cook and combine them into the sauce.

How to know if curry is spoiled? ›

How Do You Know if Curry Has Gone Bad?
  1. Mold growth - This is an obvious one. ...
  2. Strange odor - Curry that has spoiled will start to smell sour or rancid. ...
  3. Change in color - The curry may start to look more dull, brown or grayish.
  4. Weird texture - Spoiled curry can become incredibly thick or slimy rather than creamy.
Mar 29, 2021

Can you reheat chickpeas in a curry? ›

Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove by mixing the rice and curried chickpeas, or reheat in toaster oven or microwave. Special Notes: Use soymilk or coconut milk if you are unable to find coconut cream. Beware - "cream of coconut" is sweet, and should not be used in this dish."

Why is my chickpea curry bitter? ›

Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish.

Is chickpea anti inflammatory? ›

Ingredients like Greek yogurt, raspberries, chickpeas and garlic are both gut-healthy and anti-inflammatory foods. This means these snacks can help aid in healthy digestion as well as relieve symptoms of inflammation like joint stiffness, mental fog and high blood pressure.

Is chickpea better than rice? ›

It has fewer calories, sodium, and carbs than white rice, as well as more fiber and more protein. It has three-times the protein, two-times the fiber, and nearly 30% fewer net carbs than brown rice, according to the company.

What is the best thickener for curry? ›

Cornstarch or Arrowroot

Curries can be thickened quickly using starch. You can use cornstarch or Arrowroot starch.

Do you boil or simmer curry to thicken it? ›

Too short of a cooking time: Curry sauce thickens as it simmers, so you must be patient and let it achieve your preferred thickness. Avoid turning off the heat as soon as the sauce comes to a boil, which will result in a thin curry sauce.

Can I use coconut flour to thicken curry? ›

The ways of using coconut flour is endless. It's definitely not limited to just cakes, it's also great for thickening up a curry or soup or adding a teaspoon to a smoothie for an extra hit of fibre.

Can I eat chickpeas after 5 days? ›

The Best way to store Chickpeas

Roasted crunchy chickpeas can be stored for 3-4 days on the kitchen counter. Make sure to store them in a air tight bag/jar to maintain their crispiness. Canned Chickpeas can last in the pantry indefinitely. But once opened, you should refrigerate them and consume within 5-6 days.

Is curry OK to eat after 3 days? ›

Cooked meat, poultry, and fish curries can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. However, it is important to heat and cool the meat dishes properly before refrigerating them and make sure you store them in airtight containers.

How long does homemade curry last in the fridge? ›

Oil based curry sauce will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or 3 - 4 days if it's water based, but it's best consumed within a few days. Be sure to store it in an airtight glass jar like our kiln clip jars, so that it doesn't dry out or absorb any flavours from other foods in the fridge.

How long does bean curry last in the fridge? ›

Storage. Store this delicious bean curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or store it in the freezer for 3 months. To defrost, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.

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