Simple Indian Chickpea Curry is the 30-minute curry that tastes like it took much longer. Onion and garlic sizzle with mild Indian curry paste and tomatoes, then chickpeas simmer until the sauce turns thick and glossy. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a splash of tamari at the end make the flavors sing.
Craving a warm, comforting, and flavor-packed meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare? Meet your new weeknight hero: Indian Chickpea Curry! The secret lies in a good quality curry paste, a magical shortcut that infuses the entire dish with complex, aromatic spices in minutes. This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also packed with plant-based protein and fiber from wholesome chickpeas. It’s a satisfying, healthy, and delicious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to India.
Ingredients
• Makes 4 cups (960 ml) / 1 L
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon / 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) coconut or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups / 500 mL chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon / 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) mild Indian curry paste
• 3 cups / 750 mL cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon / 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL (0.2 fl oz) tamari or soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon / 1 mL (0 fl oz) salt, or to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pan or skillet, heat the coconut or olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and curry paste. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to break down and the paste is fragrant.
3. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, lemon juice, tamari, and salt. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving warm.
Nutritional Information
• Per 1 cup / 250 mL serving
• Calories: 288
• Protein: 13 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Iron: 4 mg
• Folate: 242 mcg
• Percentage of calories from protein 17%, fat 27%, carbohydrate 56%
Pro Tips
• For a deeper flavor, ‘bloom’ the curry paste by cooking it in the oil with the garlic for a minute before adding the tomatoes.
• To make the curry creamier, stir in 1/2 cup / 120 mL of full-fat coconut milk along with the chickpeas and let it simmer.
• Boost the nutrition by wilting in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Serve this curry over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Q: Is this vegetarian curry a good source of protein
A: Absolutely. Chickpeas are a fantastic plant-based protein source. A single 1-cup serving of this curry provides 13 grams (0.46 oz / 13 g) of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritionally balanced meal for any vegetarian or vegan diet.
Q: How can I make this chickpea curry creamier without dairy
A: For a wonderfully rich and creamy texture, stir in 1/2 cup (120 mL) of full-fat coconut milk along with the chickpeas as suggested in the pro-tips. This keeps the dish entirely plant-based and dairy-free while adding a delicious richness.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this Indian curry
A: Yes, this recipe is very versatile. To boost the vegetable and nutrient content, wilt in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Diced sweet potato, cauliflower florets, or peas are also excellent additions.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftover chickpea curry
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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Simple Indian Chickpea Curry
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the coconut or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and curry paste.
- Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to break down and the paste is fragrant.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, lemon juice, tamari, and salt.
- Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving warm.
