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
Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (4)

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?

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (6)

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

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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

    How do you soften canned chickpeas for curry? ›

    If your canned chickpeas are undercooked or have too much bite, boil them in plain water until soft. Liquid: While I prefer to use plain water or chickpea water (aquafaba from the pressure cooked chickpeas) to make the curry.

    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.

    Is chickpea curry high in carbs? ›

    Chickpea curry provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of carbs fibre, and protein. A 1-cup serving of chickpeas contains 14.5 grams of protein, 4.3 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbohydrates.

    What to serve with chickpea curry instead of rice? ›

    Samosa chaat makes a great starter for a dinner party - crispy samosas are layered with a chickpea curry for a more substantial option – feel free to use shop-bought samosa to keep this recipe quick and easy.

    How to make chickpeas soft quickly? ›

    You can boil canned chickpeas in enough water to cover them for 15 minutes to soften and warm them, which is helpful before pulverizing them for hummus or other dips. Be sure to drain them after cooking.

    Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing? ›

    The honest answer—there's no difference between chickpeas and garbanzo beans. They're just two (of many) different names for the same type of pulse. (Pulses are basically seeds of legume plants.) The word chickpea doesn't come from chickens at all—it's an evolution of the plant's Latin name, cicer arietinum.

    Should you drain canned chickpeas? ›

    Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener.

    What to do with a can of chickpeas? ›

    How to Use Canned Chickpeas:
    1. Make a quick but better-than-store-bought hummus.
    2. Roast canned chickpeas.
    3. Pan fry chickpeas.
    4. Mash chickpeas for a sandwich.
    5. Mash 'em in a quesadilla.
    6. Make chana masala.
    7. Or another chickpea curry!
    8. Bulk up your soups or stews.
    Feb 13, 2021

    Is it healthy to eat canned chickpeas? ›

    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.

    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.

    Are curry chickpeas good for you? ›

    Not only are they a fantastic source of plant-based protein, but they're also rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.

    Are chickpeas healthy or fattening? ›

    Chickpeas are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low GI. Potential benefits of chickpeas include helping control blood sugar, manage weight, and support heart and gut health. Chickpeas are versatile, so you can add them to many savory or sweet meals and snacks.

    How do you thicken chickpea curry? ›

    How to thicken chickpea curry? To thicken chickpea curry, let it simmer while stirring for a few more minutes until some liquid evaporates and you reach your desired consistency. Also, using good quality full-fat coconut milk allows you to achieve perfect creaminess.

    Can I eat curry if I'm diabetic? ›

    It's a medium- to low-glycemic food that releases its energy slowly, so you don't need to worry about a spike in blood sugar. Keep in mind that dishes like this vegetable curry are most flavorful when you use fresh spices.

    How long does chickpea curry last in the fridge? ›

    This simple chickpea curry can last between 5 and 7 days in the fridge. Just make sure to keep the curry in an airtight container to retain as much of the flavour and texture as possible. That way, you already have a prepped dinner or lunch that you can reheat within a few minutes whenever you get hungry.

    How to make canned chickpeas softer? ›

    Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chickpeas simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help to soften them and enhance their flavor.

    Why are my chickpeas not getting soft? ›

    My beans are not softening: If the beans are not softening, you may be using old beans, or your water is high in minerals (hard water). Add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to the cooking water. If the beans are still hard after 2 hours of simmering on the stove, your beans may be too old.

    How do you make canned chickpeas easier to digest? ›

    If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them with water to cut the sodium (salt) content by almost a half. Rinse well in cold water to make them easier to digest and less gas-producing.

    How do you process canned chickpeas? ›

    Prepare your canning jars. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pint to the jar, if desired. Fill jars with beans and cooking water, leaving 1-inch headspace. Pressure Can: Pints 75 Minutes, Quarts 90 Minutes according to your altitude and canner type.

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