This Creamy Chickpea Curry is your ultimate go-to when you’re craving something hearty, healthy, and soul-satisfying. It’s packed with plant-based protein, warming spices, and that luxurious creamy finish—everything you want from a cozy bowl of curry.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, scooping it up with warm naan, or just enjoying it straight from the bowl, this dish is an effortless win. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon oil or butter
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1 medium onion, sliced
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, minced
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon mild chili powder or smoked paprika (or a mix of both)
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1 tablespoon garam masala
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2 teaspoons sugar
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6 tablespoons passata (or tomato puree)
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1 cup vegetable broth
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½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
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14 oz (400 g) canned chickpeas, drained
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh cilantro (optional)
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Lemon wedges (optional)
Directions:
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Heat oil or butter in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they begin to soften and brown slightly.
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Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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Add turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir well, adding a bit more oil if needed to prevent sticking.
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Pour in the passata and sugar, stirring over low heat for 3-4 minutes until thickened and slightly sticky.
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Whisk in the vegetable broth and raise the heat to bring it to a gentle simmer.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Simmer partially covered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add chickpeas, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Chickpeas Make the Perfect Star Ingredient
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, they bring both heartiness and health benefits to the plate. In vegetarian or vegan diets, chickpeas often serve as a key protein source. But beyond that, their creamy texture when simmered makes them an ideal candidate for curry dishes.
They also absorb flavors exceptionally well. In this recipe, chickpeas take on the richness of cream, the earthiness of cumin, and the sweet warmth of garam masala to create a balanced and deeply aromatic experience.
The Allure of a One-Pan Wonder
What truly elevates this dish is how it delivers maximum impact with minimal fuss. Everything is made in a single pan, which not only simplifies the cooking process but also deepens the flavor as each step builds upon the last.
From caramelizing the onions to layering the spices and gently simmering the creamy tomato sauce, each element melds together in one place. This is the type of recipe that works for everyone—from novice cooks seeking reliable results to seasoned chefs wanting a stress-free, delicious meal.
A Pantry-Friendly Masterpiece
One of the reasons this recipe is a beloved staple is because it doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store. Everything needed is typically found in your pantry: canned chickpeas, dried spices, tomato puree (or passata), and broth.
It’s a reminder that great flavor doesn’t always require complicated or expensive ingredients. The dish is adaptable based on what you have on hand—swap the cream for coconut milk, use curry powder instead of individual spices, or throw in whatever greens are in your fridge.
This versatility makes it perfect for households with changing schedules or budget-conscious cooks trying to reduce waste and stretch ingredients further.
Customizations and Add-ins: Make It Yours
The creamy chickpea curry acts as a flavorful foundation that invites creativity. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit children or spice lovers. The addition of spinach, kale, or frozen vegetables boosts the nutrition and adds texture without complicating the cooking process.
Looking to make it a protein powerhouse? Add in cubes of pan-fried paneer, halloumi, or tofu for a more indulgent variation. For a nutty twist, toasted cashews or almonds can provide crunch and contrast. Even something as simple as a swirl of vegan yogurt can elevate the dish further.
You can also make it more filling by pairing it with brown rice, quinoa, or whole grain flatbreads.
A Gateway Dish for Indian Cuisine Beginners
This dish is the ideal starting point for anyone curious about Indian flavors but unsure where to start. Traditional Indian cooking can seem overwhelming due to the use of complex spice blends and long cook times, but this curry strips it back while retaining the essence.
By focusing on ground spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric, you capture the warmth and complexity of Indian food in a manageable way. It’s also free from whole spices like cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks, which might be intimidating for first-timers.
It’s a gentle introduction to the bold and diverse world of Indian cooking, offering confidence and delicious rewards.
Kid-Friendly Yet Grown-Up Approved
Not every curry is embraced equally by younger palettes, but this one hits the mark. With its sweet, creamy sauce and mild spice, it’s often described as a “gateway curry” for kids. It’s free of fiery heat but still bursting with layers of flavor.
For adults, it can be elevated with extra chili flakes, spicy pickles, or fresh herbs. It’s this flexibility that makes it a family favorite—you can tailor it to suit multiple taste preferences in one batch.
Meal Prep Magic and Leftover Heaven
Creamy chickpea curry is not just convenient in the moment—it’s a dream for meal prepping. The flavors deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day. It freezes and reheats beautifully, meaning you can double the batch and save portions for busy weeks.
It also travels well in lunch boxes, making it a great option for work-from-home days or school lunches. Add a scoop of rice and you’ve got a complete, balanced meal.
Batch cooking this curry can save both time and money, reducing reliance on last-minute takeout or heavily processed meals.
Perfect Pairings to Round Out the Meal
While the curry is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. Think soft, warm naan or parathas to scoop up the sauce, or fluffy basmati rice to absorb all that creamy goodness.
A fresh cucumber raita, a crisp kachumber salad, or even a spoonful of tangy mango chutney brings contrast and balance to the richness of the dish. These additions provide a complete dining experience with minimal extra effort.
You can also consider serving it as part of a larger spread with other curries and sides, ideal for dinner parties or festive family meals.
Why This Curry Belongs in Every Cook’s Repertoire
In a world filled with fast food and fad diets, it’s refreshing to come across a dish that balances nutrition, comfort, and ease of preparation. Creamy chickpea curry is not only nourishing but deeply satisfying, made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
It’s economical, customizable, and filled with flavor. From the beginner cook looking for a no-fail recipe to the busy parent seeking a reliable dinner option, this curry checks all the boxes.
You can serve it with pride to guests or whip it up on a whim when time is short but comfort is calling. No matter how you approach it, the results are always rewarding.
Conclusion: A Bowl Full of Comfort and Culture
Creamy Chickpea Curry isn’t just food—it’s a story of simplicity and flavor meeting in a single pan. It pays homage to Indian culinary roots while embracing global accessibility. Whether you’re seeking a warm hug in a bowl, a nourishing vegetarian option, or a quick fix for your weekly meal rotation, this curry delivers every single time.
It embodies the spirit of home cooking: resourceful, delicious, and made to be shared. When you cook this dish, you’re not just feeding your body—you’re nourishing your soul and connecting with a wider culinary tradition that has stood the test of time.