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.

Easy Chickpea Curry Recipe (5)

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

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 peel chickpeas for curry? ›

    It really isn't necessary. 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. Can I eat soaked chickpeas daily? If you like it and are able to digest it, you can.

    How many days does chickpea curry last? ›

    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.

    Does coconut milk thicken curry? ›

    For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

    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.

    What happens if you don't soak chickpeas before cooking? ›

    Generally, if you did not pre soak the chickpeas, they will take 3 to 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW to become tender. You can shorten the cooking time by preheating the water in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes before adding to the beans.

    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.

    Can you freeze leftover chickpea curry? ›

    TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. TO FREEZE: You can freeze chickpea curry. Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

    Can you reheat chickpeas in a curry? ›

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove by mixing the rice and curried chickpeas, or reheat in toaster oven or microwave. Special Notes: Use soymilk or coconut milk if you are unable to find coconut cream. Beware - "cream of coconut" is sweet, and should not be used in this dish."

    What is a good substitute for chickpeas in curry? ›

    Diced tempeh, roasted cauliflower, lentils, and firmer white beans (such as cannellini) can all work great in a soup or curry depending on the other flavors and textures. I recommend you consider the texture, flavor, and nutrition you are looking for in your soup, stew, or curry to help make the choice.

    When should I add coconut milk to a curry? ›

    Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

    How do I add coconut milk to curry without curdling? ›

    Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to a dish to prevent curdling of coconut milk. Adding cornstarch will also thicken the sauce, so don't use it if you're making a dish that requires a thin sauce.

    Why does curry need coconut milk? ›

    Thai Curry

    Yellow curry commonly utilizes spices such as turmeric, coconut, ginger, and lemongrass. Red chili peppers, pepper, garlic, and fish sauce are commonly found in red curries. A signature ingredient of many Thai curries is coconut milk, which adds an element of creamy sweetness.

    Are garbanzo beans the same as chickpeas? ›

    Although their names are very different, garbanzo beans and chickpeas refer to the same bean. And to confuse things a little more, chickpeas are beans, not peas. "They are the same, one is obviously more Anglophile," says Steve Sando, the founder of heirloom bean company Rancho Gordo.

    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 is the liquid in a can of chickpeas called? ›

    Aquafaba is the liquid found in a can of chickpeas or resulting from cooking chickpeas. It is often used as an egg substitute in vegan and allergen-free recipes. The name “aquafaba” came from the Latin words for “water” and “bean,” roughly translating to bean-water.

    Is it necessary to remove chickpea skins? ›

    skins will make your hummus much creamier and. rich.

    Are chickpeas healthier with or without skin? ›

    It is not necessary to remove the shell of the chickpeas, the decision is up to each one. In fact, many do not know, but nutritionally it is recommended to eat the chickpea skin.

    Do you cover chickpeas when cooking? ›

    To control the texture of your chickpeas, adjust the lid while simmering. For firmer beans that hold their shape well, simmer with the lid completely off. These are great for bean salads and vegetarian chili. For softer, creamier beans that easily break down, simmer with the lid slightly ajar.

    Do you have to Deshell chickpeas for hummus? ›

    Read enough recipes for hummus, and you'll start to note that those promising extra-smooth texture all have one thing in common: peeling the chickpeas before blending.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Duncan Muller

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6057

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

    Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Duncan Muller

    Birthday: 1997-01-13

    Address: Apt. 505 914 Phillip Crossroad, O'Konborough, NV 62411

    Phone: +8555305800947

    Job: Construction Agent

    Hobby: Shopping, Table tennis, Snowboarding, Rafting, Motor sports, Homebrewing, Taxidermy

    Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.