Aug 28, 2024, Updated Oct 29, 2024 I cannot NOT finish a bowl of these curry chickpeas. The rich flavor is similar to butter chicken: warm spices and comforting sauce that’s lightened up with creamy coconut milk. It is the most satisfying bowl of goodness with its silky sauce and layered flavors – and it just happens to be vegan! One of those recipes loved by meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Why You’ll Love It
This is a quicker chickpea curry recipe than chana masala, which is more traditional to my Indian mother-in-law’s recipe, but is also more labor intensive.
One-pot wonder – a mid-week dream with minimal prep time. Canned chickpeas and coconut milk make it quick and breezy with pantry staples on hand. It’s got the most incredible creamy sauce and rich butter chicken chickpeas taste.
Oil or ghee Onions, garlic and ginger: Fresh and finely chopped (onion) and minced garlic and ginger make the perfect base to this curry sauce. Garam masala or curry powder: Adds a blend of complex spices and aromatic heat. Paprika Ground cumin Cayenne pepper Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned. Coconut milk: I love to use full fat coconut milk for a rich, weighty sauce base. Chickpeas: The hearty, protein-packed base of the curry. Use canned for convenience or cook dried chickpeas for a more from-scratch approach.
Oil or ghee: Use vegetable or coconut oil instead of ghee as a dairy-free option. Onions: Red onions or shallots can be used instead of yellow onions. Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but pre-minced or powdered versions can be used in a pinch. Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky twist, or you can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor. Cayenne pepper: Substitute with red pepper flakes. More veggies: For added depth, add vegetables such as baby spinach, cauliflower florets, sliced carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes in the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Large pot: To cook the curry in. Sharp knife and cutting board: To prep and chop everything. Blender: To blend the curry sauce.
Cook the base
Add finely chopped onions to warm oil or ghee and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
Add spices
Mix in the garam masala or curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices.
Add tomatoes
Pour in diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture is well combined.
Add coconut milk
Stir in coconut milk. Blend with an immersion blender if desired for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add chickpeas
Mix in drained chickpeas, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enhance the flavors, consider making it a day or two before serving it.
Freezing:
For longer storage, chickpea curry can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating:
Thaw frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the curry is too thick after freezing, add a water or coconut milk splash to reach the desired consistency. NOTE: To maintain the best quality, avoid storing the curry with rice or other sides. Keep them separate until ready to serve. Indian drink recipes: This Chai Tea recipe, Chai Coffee recipe, Karak Chai recipe or Mango Lassi are all pretty lush. Indian Flatbread: butter naan, garlic naan, roti, chapati, aloo naan or paratha are all perfect to go alongside it. Vegetables:This Indian coconut green beans and Yogurt cucumber salad make a wonderful side to curries. Desserts: Check out my bank of Indian Dessert Recipes or Indian Sweet Recipes that will inspire a few show-stopping ends.
