Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe

Chickpeas are highly beneficial for vegans and vegetarians (and even meat eaters) for several reasons, some of which we’ll go into as we go through this vegan chickpea curry recipe. As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the easiest and most customizable vegan dishes, and a must-try.

You can make your own mind up, of course.

What Are Chickpeas? (And Why Are They Great for Vegans?)

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume belonging to the Fabaceae family. They are small, beige-colored, and have a distinctive round shape with a slightly nutty flavor. Originating in the Middle East, chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are now widely consumed across the globe.

Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Chickpeas are highly nutritious, providing an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their versatility and health benefits make them popular among vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals seeking to incorporate wholesome and sustainable foods into their diet.

Ingredients

You’ll need a few items to make this delicious vegan curry from scratch, but you could always cheat and use a vegan-friendly curry sauce (in a jar) if that works with your time restrictions and budget. (Just saying.)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon curry powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) coconut milk
• 2 cans (400g each) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions

Chickpeas are rich in protein, making them a valuable substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. Protein is essential for various bodily functions and obtaining it from plant-based sources like chickpeas helps maintain a balanced diet.

Let’s put this high-protein dish together, shall we?

Step One

In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step Two

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step Three

Add the curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir the spices with the onions, garlic, and ginger, and let them toast for about 1 minute to release their flavors.

Step Four

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step Five

Add the diced carrot, potato, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let the curry simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step Six

Stir in the cooked chickpeas and let them heat through in the curry for another 5 minutes. If the curry appears too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Step Seven

Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder according to your preference.

Step Eight

Serve the chickpea curry hot over cooked rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty vegan chickpea curry! This dish is not only flavorful and satisfying but also packed with plant-based protein and essential nutrients. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or for sharing with friends and family.

You might also like:

• 130 Vegan Breakfast Recipes
• 101 Vegan Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
• Best Vegan Substitutes for Mozzarella Cheese