Creamy coconut chickpea curry with spinach
Vegan Chickpea Curry
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Vegan Chickpea Curry
Creamy coconut chickpea curry with spinach
★4.4(17)
Chickpeas simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with tomatoes, spinach, and warming Indian spices. A one-pot vegan dinner that is deeply satisfying and nourishing.
10m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This chickpea curry is the kind of dinner you will make on repeat—it is fast, filling, and the flavors develop beautifully with just a handful of pantry staples.
Indian cuisine is a masterclass in building complex flavor through layered spices. This recipe distills that wisdom into a straightforward method with spectacular results.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Sauté onion in 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened.
- 2
Add garlic, curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- 4
Cook 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in spinach and cook 2 minutes until wilted.
- 5
Season with salt and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
ChickpeasWhite beans or lentils
Both absorb the curry flavors beautifully
SpinachKale or Swiss chard
Heartier greens that hold up well in curry
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Mash a few chickpeas against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the sauce.
Use full-fat coconut milk—light versions do not create the same rich, creamy result.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates44g
Fat14g
Fiber420mg
Sugar10g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried chickpeas?
- Yes, soak overnight and boil until tender before using. Or use a pressure cooker for faster results.
- Is this spicy?
- As written it is mild. Add cayenne pepper or fresh chilies for more heat.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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