Creamy Chickpea Curry Recipe
Introduction
This creamy chickpea curry is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with aromatic spices and a rich coconut milk base, it pairs beautifully with jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups onions (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon red or yellow curry paste
- 1 can (13.5-ounce) coconut milk (divided)
- 2 cans (15.5-ounces each) chickpeas (drained)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they begin to brown. Then add the minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in the curry paste and 1/4 of the coconut milk. Cook while stirring until the curry paste dissolves completely into the mixture.
- Step 3: Add the drained chickpeas, soy sauce, and the remaining coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in the chopped tomato, brown sugar, and lime juice. Let it simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in the chopped cilantro, and serve the curry over cooked jasmine rice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili.
- Try swapping chickpeas for cooked lentils or diced potatoes for a different texture.
- Use fresh lime zest in addition to juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
- To make it vegan-friendly, ensure the curry paste contains no shrimp paste or fish sauce.
Storage
Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, white beans or black beans work well and will give the curry a different but delicious texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The curry itself is gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.
PrintCreamy Chickpea Curry Recipe
This creamy chickpea curry is a flavorful and comforting vegan dish that combines aromatic spices, coconut milk, and tender chickpeas. Perfect served over jasmine rice, it offers a rich and mildly spiced curry with a hint of tanginess from lime juice and sweetness from brown sugar. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups onions (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon red or yellow curry paste
- 1 can (13.5-ounce) coconut milk (divided)
- 2 cans (15.5-ounces each) chickpeas (drained)
Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and soft, roughly 1-2 minutes.
- Dissolve Paste: Stir in the curry paste along with 1/4 of the coconut milk. Cook while stirring until the curry paste is fully dissolved and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Simmer Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas, soy sauce, and the remaining coconut milk to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chickpeas to heat through.
- Finish Curry: Stir in the chopped tomato, brown sugar, and lime juice. Let the curry simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, mix in the chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice.
Notes
- Use red or yellow curry paste based on your preferred heat level; red tends to be spicier.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
- For a spicier curry, add chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes along with the curry paste.
- This curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Jasmine rice provides a fragrant complement, but basmati or any long-grain rice works well too.
Keywords: chickpea curry, creamy curry, vegan curry, coconut milk curry, easy curry recipe, stovetop curry

