Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry Clara quick dinners

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry is a rich, comforting, and flavorful plant-based dish that comes together easily with pantry staples. Chickpeas are simmered in a luscious coconut milk sauce infused with warm spices, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, creating a delicious curry that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Serve it with rice or naan for a wholesome, hearty meal any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Totally vegan and gluten-free
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Made with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Creamy, rich, and full of flavor
• High in protein and fiber from chickpeas
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Comforting and family-friendly
• Easy to customize with extra veggies
• Freezer-friendly
• No fancy equipment needed

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• Coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• Crushed or diced tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh ginger
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric
• Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro or lime (for garnish)

directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 45 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat and let curry simmer uncovered for 1015 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
8. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning as needed.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Include spinach, kale, bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
• Extra Protein: Add tofu, lentils, or shredded chicken (for a non-vegan version).
• Spicy Version: Add more cayenne or chopped chili for extra heat.
• Lighter Option: Use light coconut milk for a lower-fat version.
• Ginger-Lime Twist: Add fresh lime juice and extra ginger for zing.
• Nutty Note: Stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for a creamy twist.
• Serve Bowl-Style: Layer over rice or quinoa with fresh veggies and chutney.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, just cook them in advance. You’ll need about 1½ cups of cooked chickpeas for every 15-ounce can.

Is coconut milk necessary?

Yes, it adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with cashew cream or a dairy-free milk with added thickness.

How do I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, chopped fresh chili, or hot sauce to taste.

Can I blend the curry for a smoother texture?

Yes, you can blend part of the curry to thicken it or blend fully for a creamy soup-style curry.

What’s the best way to serve this curry?

Serve over rice, quinoa, or with naan bread for scooping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze for later meals.

Can I use curry paste instead of curry powder?

Yes, substitute 12 tablespoons of curry paste and adjust based on flavor strength.

Is this dish healthy?

Yes, it’s full of fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats from coconut milk.

What’s the best way to thicken the curry?

Simmer uncovered to let it reduce, or mash a few chickpeas in the pot for natural thickening.

Conclusion

Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry is a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple, nourishing, and completely plant-based, making it ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone craving a comforting curry. Serve it with rice or warm naan, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy goodness in every bite.

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