Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome meal that’s completely vegetarian? This best vegetarian chickpea curry recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy and simple.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them the perfect base for a curry that’s both nourishing and delicious. Bursting with aromatic spices and rich coconut milk, this curry is a comforting dish that you can whip up any day of the week.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this curry is a winner. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spice levels, and it pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or even a fresh salad.
Dive in and discover how easy it is to make a restaurant-quality curry right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chickpea curry recipe stands out because it’s:
- Rich in flavor: A perfect blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Nutritious and filling: Chickpeas provide a solid dose of protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized.
- Simple to prepare: Using common pantry staples, it comes together quickly for a weekday dinner or meal prep option.
- Flexible and adaptable: Easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your palate.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: Made without any animal products, perfect for plant-based diets.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Mix in the spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and become saucy.
- Add the chickpeas to the pan, stirring to coat them in the spice and tomato mixture.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the curry cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt to taste. Add the lemon juice and give it one last stir.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra depth of flavor, try roasting the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the curry—it really brings out their aroma!”
- Add vegetables: Spinach, kale, diced carrots, or bell peppers can be stirred in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust spice level: Add more chili powder or fresh chopped chilies if you like it hotter.
- Use dried chickpeas: Soak and cook dried chickpeas beforehand for a more authentic texture.
- Try different bases: Swap coconut milk for cashew cream or yogurt for a different creamy twist.
- Serve with: Warm naan, basmati rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This chickpea curry is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving options:
- Serve over steaming hot basmati rice to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with warm naan bread or roti for a delicious hand-held meal.
- For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad sprinkled with lemon juice and chaat masala.
- Try topping with a dollop of yogurt or vegan cashew cream for extra creaminess.
Conclusion
This vegetarian chickpea curry recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy way to enjoy a plant-based meal packed with flavor. Its rich spices and creamy coconut base make it comforting and satisfying, perfect for any day of the week.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this vibrant dish that’s sure to please family and guests alike.
Whether you’re looking to add more vegetarian options to your menu or just crave a hearty curry, this recipe delivers. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and experiment with the variations to make it your own.
For more delicious recipes that complement this dish, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe, and Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Chickpea Curry
Description: A flavorful and hearty chickpea curry made with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stir well.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 38 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Chickpea Curry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and hearty chickpea curry made with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 large onion, finely chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated”, “2 teaspoons ground cumin”, “2 teaspoons ground coriander”, “1 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon garam masala”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup coconut milk”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and saut\u00e9 until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}