Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe

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This lush chickpea curry recipe is surprisingly easy, has so much flavor, and is made in one pot. 

If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this easy chickpea curry recipe. It's made with a wonderful blend of simple ingredients like chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices, brightened up with baby spinach and lime juice. It's a fantastic vegan curry recipe the whole family will enjoy.

This vegetable curry feels like a hug. It's warm, aromatic, and hearty. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free and great for meal prep because the flavors will continue to develop. Leftovers the next day will be even more delicious!

You can enjoy it like a stew or serve it alongside rice or naan for an even more substantial meal.

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Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this recipe.

• Olive oil - I prefer olive oil, but any cooking oil will work. Avocado and vegetable oil are great and if you like the flavor of coconut, coconut oil will work well.  
• Yellow onion and fresh garlic - You'll use onion and garlic, along with the ginger for the aromatics and wonderful flavor in this recipe. 
• Ginger - I recommend using fresh ginger, but if you only have ground ginger, use ½ teaspoon. 
• Green chili - You can use any green chili you prefer. Most commonly found at the grocery store are Anaheim, jalapeno, serrano and poblano chilis. If you like a mild flavor, choose an Anaheim or poblano pepper. Jalapenos are generally mild, but you can get a spicy one. Serrano peppers will be on the spicier side. 
• Curry powder - Make your own curry powder or use store bought. 
• Canned chickpeas - I like to use cans of chickpeas because they're easy and delicious. If you prefer to make your own from dried beans, that will work too. Chickpeas may also be called garbanzo beans. 
• Vegetable broth - If you don't have vegetable broth or stock, and don't need the recipe to be vegan, you can use chicken stock or broth. 
• Unsweetened coconut milk - Use a can of coconut milk for the best flavor. A full-fat coconut milk is best, but light coconut milk will also work.  
• Baby spinach - Spinach will add a healthy dose of leafy greens and brighten the flavor. They also add a beautiful color to this dish. If you don't have any spinach, you can use a little kale or leave it out. If using kale, use 1-1.5 cups. 
• Lime juice - Lime juice brightens this recipe and adds the perfect amount of acidity to balance the flavors. 
• For serving - Serve with a garnish of soft herbs like cilantro or parsley, and on top of brown or basmati rice, or alongside naan bread.

See the recipe card for quantities. 

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Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the onion and cook for 4 minutes or until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili to the pot and stir to combine for 30 seconds. Then, add the salt and curry powder. Stir for 30 seconds to combine. 
3. Add the chickpeas and stir till they are coated in the spices as well. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. They should get a little crispy. 
4. Use the vegetable stock to deglaze the pot, scraping up any bits you can.
5. Add coconut milk to the pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chickpeas are tender and the liquid has reduced. 
6. Turn off the heat and add the spinach. Stir till the spinach wilts. 
7. Add the lime juice and any herbs and serve with rice or naan.

Substitutions & Variations

• If you like spicy foods, you can use a spicy curry powder or add some red pepper flakes to the top. 
• You can serve with brown rice, naan bread or on its own. Serve with cauliflower rice for some extra veggies. 
• If you don't need a vegan recipe, add some cooked chicken breast or thighs for added protein. 

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Leftovers are even better the next day!

Tips for Making This Recipe

• If you don't have curry powder, use our curry powder blend recipe - it's absolutely phenomenal!
• This curry keeps in the refrigerator well and the flavor continues to develop. It's a great meal prep recipe.

What to Serve with Chickpea Curry

• For a simple meal, serve with brown rice or naan bread with a little Tahini Yogurt Sauce.
• If you want a heartier meal and don't want to add rice, try serving the curry over crispy roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes. 
• Red Lentil Dal - This red lentil dal is a wonderful, warming bowl of food. This dish is incredibly filling and nutrient-dense. 

More Healthy Dinner Recipes

If you like easy recipes for dinners, you'll love these ideas.

• Quick & Easy Chicken Tikka Masala - Chicken tikka masala is popular the world over because it combines flavorful spices, like garam masala, with a rich, but still bright, sauce.
• Chana Masala - Chana masala is a northern Indian recipe that is made from a blend of spices, crushed tomatoes, and chickpeas.
• Thai Fish Curry Recipe - The zesty red curry paste and creamy coconut milk combine to form a delicious base for the fresh fish and chopped veggies in this dish. 
• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta - This creamy roasted red pepper pasta recipe is made with roasted red bell peppers, penne, parmesan, onion, and garlic. It's a wonderful, creamy pasta recipe.

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