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Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe)

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This Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry recipe is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. It is super flavorful and is so healthy, hearty, and easy to make! It makes an ideal dinner for busy weeknights, because it is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Learn how to make homemade coconut chickpea curry with this quick and simple recipe.

Overhead view of two bowls of Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry with white rice on a wooden background.

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Chickpea Curry Recipe

You are going to love this rich, creamy curry made with chickpeas, coconut milk and fresh spinach. It is packed with protein and nutrition and is so unbelievably simple to make. Best of all, you probably already have all of the ingredients sitting in your pantry!

Normally when you read Indian recipes, they include a large number of spices in the ingredient list that many people donโ€™t readily have on hand. So, I developed a recipe that uses curry powder, which contains a variety of fragrant Indian spices that have been ground up and mixed together in one handy package. Only a small amount of curry powder is used in this recipe. That way the chickpea curry has just the slightest hint of warm Indian spices, without being overly spicy.

This healthy Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, because it delivers maximum flavor in minimal time. Serve it with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or flatbread for a complete, satisfying dinner when you are in the mood for something exotic.

This recipe would be great for entertaining or taking along to a potluck. Since it is naturally vegan and gluten-free, it is suitable for many people following special diets. It is also perfect for meal prepping, so feel free to make a batch ahead of time to have on hand for the coming week.

Overhead view of Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry in a silver serving bowl with a plate of white rice

How to Make Chickpea Coconut Curry

This chickpea curry with coconut milk is one of those recipes that tastes like youโ€™ve simmered it gently for hours. Luckily, it takes less time to make than your favorite Indian restaurant takes to deliver.ย  To make this homemade coconut chickpea curry recipe, simply:

  1. Make the flavor base: Cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in a bit of coconut oil until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the liquids: Add the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer.
  3. Add the chickpeas and spinach: Season the curry sauce with S&P to taste, then stir in the chickpeas and spinach.
  4. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, then serve the chickpea curry with rice and/or flatbread.

Thatโ€™s it! This is truly a foolproof, easy curry recipe that is absolutely bursting with flavor. See the full recipe below for detailed ingredient amounts and complete recipe instructions/directions.

Possible Recipe Variations

This coconut chickpea curry recipe is incredibly flexible with regards to variations. For example, feel free toโ€ฆ

  • Add more seasoning: For a more intense curry flavor, you can increase the amount of curry powder to your liking or add in some garam masala.
  • Use different greens: Kale or collard greens would also be delicious in place of the spinach.
  • Add some heat: To give the curry a more piquant flavor, you can add in a few pinches of cayenne powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in any other mild curry-friendly veggies that you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.

Those are just a few suggestions, so feel free to experiment with whatever ingredient swaps or additions that sound good to you.

Close-up overhead view of Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry with rice in a white bowl

Can You Freeze Chickpea Curry?

Yes! I recommend separating a batch of curry or leftovers into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers. Then place the containers in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator or out on the counter for quick dinners during extra-busy weeknights.

More Coconut Curry Recipes

Craving more coconut curry? Here are some of my favorite recipes:

If you make this easy Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating โ˜… below, because I love hearing from you! โ™ก

Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe!)

Overhead view of two bowls of Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry with white rice on a wooden background.
This easy Indian Coconutย Chickpeaย Curry recipe is healthy, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Alia Kay
4.70 from 20 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 calories

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped packed fresh spinach
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sautรฉ for 4 minutes until softened.
  • Add the garlic, ginger and curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the tomatoes and coconut milk. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir in chickpeas and spinach. Cook for about 3 minutes, until spinach is wilted.
  • Serve warm, garnished with cilantro if using.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Indian Coconut Chickpea Curry (Easy Vegan Recipe!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
380
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
27
g
42
%
Saturated Fat
 
22
g
138
%
Sodium
 
474
mg
21
%
Potassium
 
922
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
8
g
33
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
 
3075
IU
62
%
Vitamin C
 
21.9
mg
27
%
Calcium
 
138
mg
14
%
Iron
 
7.3
mg
41
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

  1. Serve your coconut chickpea curry with rice or flatbread for a satisfying meal.
  2. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to three months.
Keyword Chickpea Curry, Coconut Chickpea Curry

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Rate This Recipe:




4.70 from 20 votes (10 ratings without comment)

22 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Oh, this sounds so good! I love a recipe that comes together so quickly and is easy. And spicy! Yum. And, youโ€™re right, I have all these ingredients right in my pantry! Thanks for the recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    Made this for my family tonight! It was wonderful! Tomorrow we are making naan to go with this dish!
    Do you think some roasted veggie may be good with it? What would you or the group recommend?

    1. Hi Sarah! That’s great, thanks so much! Yes roasted veggies (like carrots, broccoli, potatoes or asparagus) would go great with this recipe. I also like to serve this curry with rice and a big mixed green salad!

  3. 5 stars
    I have made this recipe with the chickpeas and also replaced the chickpeas with chicken qnd added shredded carrots…Oh my sooo yummy! Thanks for an awesome recipe!! This is my new fav!

  4. 4 stars
    I did this today and added just a handful of red lentils and it was deliciously creamy and thick!

    Really love it and so so easy!

  5. 5 stars
    I just made this dish for dinner tonight. It is so good! It was quick and easy to put together and paired with Stonefire naan, delicious! I didn’t change anything since this was the first time I made it. It comes together so nicely that I probably won’t ever change it.

  6. 5 stars
    I made your recipe this evening for my folks and myself, the only thing I added was 1/2 a vegetable stock cube.
    We happily had your dish with a crisp naan bread, leaving us with 3 full and content bellies!
    Thank You, so much!

    1. Hi Paulina, thank you so much for letting me know. I’m very happy you enjoyed the chickpea curry! And you’re very welcome, be sure to let me know if you make any of my other recipes! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. 4 stars
    Great easy recipe! I toasted the chickpeas first and used curry, garam marsala, cumin, and turmeric. It made a big difference from the last time I made it following this recipe. ๐Ÿ™‚