Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry

Discover the soul-warming flavors of this aromatic Chickpea Curry, a comforting dish where tender chickpeas are simmered in a velvety coconut milk sauce. This easy-to-prepare meal brings the fragrant essence of Indian-inspired spices directly to your kitchen, offering a nourishing and flavorful experience perfect for any plant-based dinner.

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This curry is not only a delight for the palate but also highly versatile. Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight meal or a reliable recipe for your weekly meal prep, the combination of diced tomatoes, earthy spices, and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic ensures a satisfying result every single time.

Ingredients

• Base: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 large onion (finely diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
• Spices: 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper
• Main: 2 cans (400 g each) chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water, 2 cups baby spinach (optional), juice of 1 lime
• Garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with juices), coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Uncover, and if using, add the baby spinach. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Step 7

Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Pair with steamed rice or naan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve a thicker and more concentrated sauce, simply let the curry simmer uncovered for the final 5 minutes of the cooking time. This allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a heartier texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily boost the vegetable content by adding diced sweet potato or bell pepper. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to make the curry as mild or as spicy as you prefer.

Serviervorschläge

For a complete meal, serve the curry hot alongside steamed basmati rice, brown rice, or warm gluten-free flatbread. A piece of naan is especially helpful for soaking up every bit of the delicious coconut-based sauce.

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Enjoy the rich, creamy textures and vibrant flavors of this homemade chickpea curry. With its perfect balance of spices and wholesome ingredients, it is a plant-based staple that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

→ How can I make this curry thicker?

Simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mash about ¼ cup of the chickpeas against the side of the pan before stirring them back in, which naturally thickens the coconut sauce.

→ Can I freeze this curry?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Diced sweet potato, bell peppers, cauliflower florets, or green beans work wonderfully. Add hearty vegetables like sweet potato or cauliflower in step 4 so they have time to soften. Add quicker-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas in the last few minutes.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Start with half the amount of chili powder and garam masala, then taste and add more gradually. For extra heat without changing the flavor profile, add fresh minced jalapeño or serrano peppers along with the garlic and ginger.

→ What should I serve with this curry?

Steamed basmati rice is the classic pairing, but warm naan bread, roti, or quinoa also work well. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.