Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (2024)

This quick and easy chickpea curry recipe is a staple for an easy weeknight dinner, made with chickpeas, spices and coconut milk. On the table in about 20 minutes.

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (1)

How to Make Coconut Chickpea Curry

I have an easy coconut chickpea curry recipe today for you, my friends. There are days when we are all in a hurry and we just don't have much time to cook. That doesn't stop us from wanting spicy food, though. Right?

Of course not!

We want spicy food with big flavor in a hurry. We want it now! This particular recipe will most definitely deliver on that desire.

We're talking my Easy Chickpea Curry recipe, and it's going to become a new go-to in your recipe collection. It's chickpea curry in a hurry!

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (2)

This is a vegetarian and vegan curry recipe, though it's easy to customize. You can add in chicken if you'd like, as well as shrimp or even lamb for a non-vegan option.

Let's talk about how to make chickpea curry, shall we?

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (3)

Chickpea Curry Ingredients

  • Oil. For cooking. Use olive oil or coconut oil.
  • Vegetables. Onion, green onion, garlic, ginger, chilies. For the chilies, I'm using jalapeno and serrano, but you can use milder chilies to your preference.
  • Spices. Curry powder, paprika, salt and ground black pepper.
  • Curry Paste.
  • Coconut Milk. Use full fat for more flavor.
  • Chickpeas. I'm using canned, drained and rinsed.
  • For Serving. Cooked rice, fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, spicy chili flakes
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How to Make Chickpea Curry - the Recipe Steps

Oil. First, heat a large pan or wok to medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon oil.

Cook the Vegetables. Add your peppers and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes, until the peppers and onions have softened.

Next, add in the garlic, ginger and the green onions. Cook another minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.

Curry Spices and Curry Paste. Add in the curry powder,paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a stir.

Stir in the curry paste and cook it for a minute.

Coconut Milk. Add your coconut milk and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat.

Simmer the Curry. Simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes or more to let the flavors develop, stirring occasionally. The curry sauce will thicken up a bit.

Processing Tip. You can process the sauce in a food processor at this point if you'd like a smoother sauce, or just continue.

Add the Chickpeas. Stir in the chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) and warm them through for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Chickpea Curry

Serve the easy chickpea curry over prepared white rice if desired, then squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top.

Top with fresh cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, spicy chili flakes. Basmati rice is great here. It's a lot like chana masala.

BOOM! Done! Super easy, right? Quick and easy recipes are the best. Hey, we're busy today! I get it.

Refer to the video in the recipe card. It details all the steps to make the chickpea curry. I hope it helps! I love a good coconut curry.

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Recipe Tips and Notes

Recipe Variations

This is probably my favorite easy chickpea curry for the sheer simplicity of it. But if you're super hungry and want to vary it up, this particular recipe is perfect to use as a base.

Consider adding a meat to the recipe. I've made this with chicken, lamb and pork and it always comes out flavorful. Consider shrimp as either an add on or to swap in. I love this recipe with shrimp. The combination of both shrimp and chickpeas is flavorful and still low calorie.

Adding Shrimp. To add shrimp, simply tuck the raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) into the sauce and simmer 5-10 minutes, until cooked through. Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the shrimp.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options. If you'd like to keep it vegan, try sweet potato, eggplant or lentils. You can easily slip in broccoli or some green leafy vegetables like spinach or kale. It's also tasty with tofu.

Add Tomatoes. Add diced tomatoes for another spin. Tomatoes are commonly used in curries and I enjoy them.

To be honest, you can pretty easily include any number of vegetables you'd like to use up. Zucchini, anyone? Of course!

Peppers and Spices

This recipe calls for both curry paste and curry powders, as well as a jalapeno pepper and serrano pepper. The curry paste and curry powder can be found at most supermarkets, though you may need to seek them out at a specialty store.

It's worth it, though, to have them in your collection of ingredients. Or you can just make your own curry paste like I do.

Any curry paste will do, whether it is green, yellow, or red curry paste. However, each will have its own flavor profile. I prefer to use either red or yellow curry paste, depending on my mood.

I used my own Yellow Curry Paste Recipe here, as well as this simple curry seasoning blend, though there are many to choose from. Garam masala is a popular addition, though I didn't use any here. I've opted for the double whammy of curry paste and curry powder. It's just the right combination for me.

Hey, spice is life! Try as many as you can!

Heat Factor / Making Spicy Curry

I like to spice up my curries by adding in hotter chili peppers, like a habanero pepper or two, maybe a ghost pepper. You can adjust the seasonings and peppers to your own personal preferences.

If you're looking to keep it on the milder side, skip the serrano and stick with the jalapeno, or just use a mild bell pepper. You'll still get some wonderful flavor without all the heat.

Here are some common questions I've heard about this recipe and other curries.

What are the Differences Between Red Curry and Yellow Curry?

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The biggest differences between red curryand yellow curry is the heat level and choice of peppers. Red curries tend to be hotter than yellow curries, and use spicier red peppers as their base.

Yellow curries usually use milder chili peppers, and the inclusion of turmeric offers its vibrant yellow color.

What are some substitutes for Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)?

Garbanzo Beans, aka "chickpeas", are a firm legume, round in shape, about 1/4" thick. If you can't find them for this recipe, or prefer to use another bean, try using any of the following:

  • Butter Beans
  • Lima Beans
  • Cannellini Beans (white kidney beans)
  • Great Northern Beans.

Curry Storage Information

Curry will last up to a week in the refrigerator if properly stored. Normal time frames for cooked foods last 4-7 days stored in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed airtight container.

Just be sure to refrigerate the leftovers as quickly as possible, and never after 2 hours of sitting out.

That's it, my friends! I hope you like it. I love this recipe. In so many ways. It's definitely a creamy chickpea curry. And, it's dairy free.

Try Some of My Other Popular Curry Recipes

  • Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Chicken Korma
  • Chicken Saag
  • Spicy Beef Vindaloo
  • Spicy Thai Curry Chicken Soup
  • Coconut Chicken Curry
  • Khao Soi – Northern Thai Coconut Curry Soup
  • Thai Panang Curry
  • Thai Shrimp Curry
  • Red Lentil Curry
  • Green Curry
  • Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken
  • Curry Recipes
Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (7)

If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (8)

Print

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe

This quick and easy chickpea curry recipe is a staple for an easy weeknight dinner, made with spices and coconut milk. On the table in about 20 minutes.

Save Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Thai

Keyword: curry, recipe, spicy, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Calories: 367kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: 4

Tap or hover to scale

4.92 from 23 votes

Leave a Review

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or use coconut oil
  • 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper chopped (if desired for extra heat)
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • ½ cup chopped green onions
  • 4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder I use 2 tablespoons in mine!
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons curry paste
  • 14 ounces coconut milk
  • 16 ounces prepared chickpeas canned is great
  • Salt and pepper to taste

FOR SERVING: Cooked rice, fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, spicy chili flakes

    Instructions

    • Heat a large pan or wok to medium heat and add 1 teaspoon oil.

    • Add your peppers and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes, until the peppers and onions have softened.

    • Next, add in the garlic, ginger and the green onions. Cook another minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.

    • Add in the curry powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a stir.

    • Stir in the curry paste and cook it for a minute.

    • Add your coconut milk and stir. Bring to a quick boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes or more to let the flavors develop. The curry sauce will thicken up a bit.

    • Stir in the chickpeas and warm them through for 5 minutes.

    • Serve the easy chickpea curry over prepared white rice if desired, then squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top.

    • Top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, lime wedges, spicy chili flakes.

    Video

    Notes

    Heat Factor: Mild-Medium. You’ll get a decent spiciness from this mixture, though the coconut milk tempers it quite a bit. Add in extra serrano peppers or hotter peppers to up the heat factor.

    This recipe is vegetarian/vegan.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 19gSodium: 334mgPotassium: 542mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2245IUVitamin C: 12.6mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 6mg

    Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (9)

    Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

    Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    Do you need to cook canned chickpeas? ›

    Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked chickpeas. You can eat canned chickpeas straight out of the can! (Just be sure to rinse them off before chowing down to wash out excess sodium) Otherwise, you can roast them or turn them into any number of delicious dishes, like these here.

    Are canned chickpeas healthy? ›

    Great news! Both canned and dried varieties of chickpeas are nutritious! When purchasing canned varieties, look for those labeled "no salt added" or "low in sodium." Overall, beans are budget-friendly, but dried can often be less expensive and also more flavorful than canned.

    Is chickpea curry high in carbs? ›

    Chole (chickpea curry or chana masala) (1 cup) contains 26g total carbs, 19.6g net carbs, 6.2g fat, 6.8g protein, and 179 calories.

    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 do you use chickpeas from a can? ›

    I have made hummus with chickpeas straight from a can, I have fried them and I have used them in soups. If you heat them for too much longer they will turn to mush and fairly quickly. I like them in soups and add them to my couscous, they are also good in salads, or ground into hummus. Always drain before use.

    How do you prepare chickpeas from a can? ›

    Warm olive oil in a skillet that's large enough for the chickpeas to be in a single layer (at least 8-inches). Add the chickpeas, stir to coat them in the oil, and cook for a few minutes over medium heat. Stir in the spices and cook for a little while longer until the chickpeas are browned to your liking.

    Is there anything unhealthy about chickpeas? ›

    Raw chickpeas contain toxic substances that do not get digested well. Cooked chickpeas also contain complex sugars, fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which can be difficult to digest and are not completely absorbed by the intestines.

    Is 1 can of chickpeas too much? ›

    You can eat at least one serving (28 grams) of chickpeas per day. However, don't eat more than 70 grams a day since that can cause adverse side effects. If you consume too many chickpeas, some side effects you may get include bloating, nausea, and gas.

    Is chickpea a carb or protein? ›

    Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that is full of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are nutrient-dense, meaning they have lots of useful nutrients but are relatively low in calories.

    Do chickpeas spike blood sugar? ›

    Chickpeas can positively impact your high blood sugar due to their low GI, high fibre and protein content. However, consuming legumes as part of a balanced meal is essential, as excessive consumption or high-GI ingredients added to chickpea recipes can raise your blood sugar levels.

    Which curry is lowest carb? ›

    One Indian curry with low carbohydrate content is chicken tikka masala, which is made with yogurt and tomato-based sauce and typically served with rice. Another option is a vegetable-based curry such as saag paneer or chana masala which are made with spinach and chickpeas respectively.

    What is a keto substitute for chickpeas? ›

    One cup of chickpeas has 45 grams of carbs.

    Many people on the keto diet use alternatives to canned garbanzo beans like lupini beans or cauliflower in order to make low carb versions of dishes like hummus or Jennifer Aniston's famous salad.

    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. You see, the secret to cooking a delicious curry recipe is to create a spicy paste and slowly cook it before adding your meat.

    Do you have to peel chickpeas for curry? ›

    If you're using canned chickpeas, it's best to rinse them to get rid of any “can” taste, but the skins will disappear when you blend or process them.

    How do you thicken chickpea curry? ›

    Use a slurry.

    Mix cornstarch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot with cold water or a cup of liquid from the curry sauce to make a slurry. Add this at the end of the cooking process—the sauce should thicken as soon as it returns to a boil.

    Are canned chickpeas cooked in the can? ›

    Canned chickpeas are already cooked and can be used straight from the can, just drain the water they come with (called aquafaba) and rinse to remove salt. As a side note, aquafaba works great as an egg-substitute in vegan cooking. Dried chickpeas are best soaked overnight and then cooked in boiling water.

    Do canned chickpeas need to be drained? ›

    If the ingredient list calls for “rinsed” canned beans, drain and rinse the beans to keep the liquid ratios right. If you're vegan and you're about to use canned chickpeas, go ahead and drain the liquid—but save that magic stuff. It's called aquafaba and can be whipped like egg whites into meringues and other recipes.

    What is the difference between canned chickpeas and cooked chickpeas? ›

    Before consumption, you have to soak them in water for a couple of hours, and then cook them for at least 45 minutes (to reduce cooking time, use an instant pot). You can then add them to different recipes and preparations. On the other hand, canned chickpeas are already pre-cooked and, most of the time, pre-seasoned.

    Should you use the water from canned chickpeas? ›

    So whether you're soaking fresh chickpeas or using canned, don't throw away the 'juice'. That liquid is a valuable ingredient known as aquafaba.

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