Name: Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1-2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk; 2 (15 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish (optional); Naan bread and rice, to serve (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you have been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying meal that you can whip up without any fuss, this Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Brimming with aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and a luscious coconut tomato sauce, it’s vibrant, nourishing, and simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for company. Once you make this curry, it might just become your go-to dish whenever you crave something both hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot with blue handles is filled with thick orange-brown chickpea curry, showing many whole chickpeas in a smooth sauce with a few green cilantro leaves scattered on top. A silver spoon is partially dipped in the curry, lifting some of it slightly above the surface. Around the pot, there are lime wedges, garlic cloves, and cilantro leaves on a white marbled surface, with a cream-colored cloth beneath the pot. To the upper right, a white plate with a flatbread and to the lower left, a white bowl with white rice and lime slices are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to unlocking the rich layers of flavor in this curry. The list is deliberately straightforward, featuring pantry staples and fresh aromatics that build the dish’s colorful taste and delightful texture.

Vegetable oil or coconut oil: The foundation for cooking your spices and onions, coconut oil adds a subtle tropical aroma.
Medium onion, sliced: Slowly caramelized onions bring natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves, minced: Garlic sharpens the flavor profile and gives a punch of freshness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: These add a gentle heat dimension that you can adjust to your liking.
Curry powder: The star spice mix that lends the signature warm, earthy taste.
Cumin: Used alongside curry powder to enhance the overall spice bouquet with a smoky note.
Can of crushed tomatoes: Provides tanginess and body for the curry sauce.
Can of coconut milk: Brings creamy richness and balances the acidity of tomatoes perfectly.
Chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious spices.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional): Fresh garnishes brighten the dish with herbaceous and zesty notes.
Naan bread and rice (optional): Perfect accompaniments to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.

How to Make Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your oil over medium-low heat in a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep pan. Toss in the sliced onions, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Now, be patient and let these cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions transform into a rich golden sweetness—this can take about 15 minutes. The slow caramelization is what builds the curry’s depth of flavor, so resist the urge to rush it. If the onions start sticking or drying out, just add a splash of water to keep everything moving gracefully.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Next, crank up the heat to medium and sprinkle in your curry powder and cumin. Stir continuously for about a minute, allowing the spices to toast gently and awaken their full aroma. This little step is a game-changer—it unlocks those fragrant oils that make curry so irresistibly tasty. Right after, stir in the crushed tomatoes, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan with your spoon to lift any flavorful bits that have stuck—it’s like gathering concentrated bursts of flavor back into the sauce.

Step 3: Simmer with Coconut Milk and Chickpeas

Now, pour in the creamy coconut milk and add your chickpeas. Stir everything together, reduce the heat to low, and let the curry simmer gently. This gives the sauce time to thicken and the chickpeas to absorb those wonderful spices fully—about 10 minutes should do the trick. Check in and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to tweak the spice levels if you want more heat or a deeper curry flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Your curry is now ready to be enjoyed! Before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a fragrant boost and offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top. These little touches add a refreshing brightness that balances the warmth of the curry beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with two main layers. On the right side is a bed of white fluffy rice, topped with three lime wedges arranged on top. On the left side is a thick, creamy orange-brown chickpea curry scattered with green fresh cilantro leaves. Around the bowl, there are fresh cilantro sprigs, multiple lime wedges, garlic cloves, and pieces of naan bread with bits of green cilantro on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth that has a brown trim near the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro brighten this curry’s rich flavors, while a squeeze of lime juice adds a pleasant tang that cuts through the creaminess. For extra texture and flavor, you might also consider a dollop of yogurt or a handful of toasted nuts on top to bring in a cooling or crunchy counterpoint.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice that soaks up the sauce, or warm naan bread perfect for scooping. For a lighter option, steamed greens or cucumber slices can offer contrast and freshness to the plate without overshadowing the main flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe in a colorful bowl topped with avocado slices or roasted cauliflower for extra substance. You can also turn it into a hearty grain bowl by layering it over quinoa or millet with roasted veggies on the side. The versatility of this curry means you can get creative and tailor it to your mood or the occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This curry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool before storing to preserve its vibrant flavors and prevent condensation, which can make the texture watery.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy it later, Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently either in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave with short bursts to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chickpeas. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just soak and cook the dried chickpeas beforehand until tender. They bring a lovely texture, but using canned chickpeas saves a lot of time and works perfectly for this recipe.

Is this curry vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free sides if you’re avoiding gluten.

How spicy is this Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe?

The heat level is mild to medium depending on how much crushed red pepper flakes you add. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing those flakes or opting for a mild curry powder.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

While coconut milk adds wonderful creaminess and a subtle sweetness, you can substitute with other plant-based milks like cashew or almond milk, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

What can I add to make the curry more filling?

Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, potatoes, or bell peppers, or serve over grains like rice or couscous to make the dish heartier and even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical and soul-soothing. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and flexible enough for any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite comfort food that’s kind to both your schedule and your taste buds.