Cozy Chickpea Curry Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Option!
Craving something hearty and satisfying? This Chickpea Curry brings together healthy, wholesome ingredients to create a comforting dish that the whole family will love. With just under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that satisfies both your hunger and tastebuds!
PrintCozy Chickpea Curry
A quick and delicious chickpea curry packed with flavor and nutrition, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee)
- 3 cups chickpeas (precooked or 2 – 15 oz cans)
- 1½ cup onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (peeled & finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (peeled & finely chopped)
- 1½ cups fresh tomato puree
- 1½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or smoked paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (or garam masala)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ¾ cups water or stock
- 1¼ cups coconut milk
- ¼ cup coriander leaves (chopped cilantro)
Instructions
- In a large pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato puree and add salt, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and curry powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Add chickpeas and water or stock, bringing to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and garam masala, cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Mix in sugar for a sweeter flavor, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Notes
Leftover curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. To enhance flavor, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or peas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Just Why This Chickpea Curry is Worth Cooking
There’s something magical about a bowl of chickpea curry that makes your kitchen feel like home. Not only is it a delightful blend of spices and flavors, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber. Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based nutrition, and when paired with aromatic spices, they transform into a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Creating the Perfect Chickpea Curry
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee for richer flavor)
- 3 cups chickpeas (precooked or 2 – 15 oz cans, or 1 cup dry chickpeas—refer to notes)
- 1½ cup onions (finely chopped, 1 large or 2 medium onions)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (1 inch fresh root, peeled & finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (4 to 5 cloves, peeled & finely chopped)
- 1½ cups fresh tomato puree (or 1 cup canned/bottled puree)
- 1½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste, or mild smoked paprika)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon curry powder (or 1 teaspoon garam masala or pav bhaji masala)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon garam masala (start with ½ teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
- ¾ cups water or stock (use up to 1¼ cups, refer to notes)
- 1¼ cups coconut milk (canned or first pressed or water/stock, refer to notes)
- ¼ cup coriander leaves (chopped cilantro)
Directions:
- In a large pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato puree, adding the salt, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, and curry powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the spices to meld.
- Add the chickpeas to the pot, followed by water or stock, and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk and garam masala, allowing it to cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, mix in the sugar.
- Finish off by garnishing with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chickpea Curry
This delightful chickpea curry is best served hot, accompanied by fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. A side of simple cucumber salad or yogurt can add a refreshing contrast that balances out the spices.
How to Keep Your Curry Fresh
Leftover chickpea curry? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight! For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Curry
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding a sliced green chili or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
- Creamy Delight: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a bit more coconut milk just before serving.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrients and color.
Fun Variations to Try
If you’re itching for something a bit different, consider swapping chickpeas for red lentils for a speedy alternative that cooks even faster. You can also experiment with various spices or add coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a hint of tropical sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and boil them before adding them to the curry.
2. Is this chickpea curry vegan?
Yes, this recipe is completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
3. What can I serve with chickpea curry?
This curry pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal!
This cozy Chickpea Curry recipe is not just a meal – it’s an experience that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to your dining table. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and let’s cook up some goodness!