🥥 Vegan Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
Comforting • Creamy • Flavorful • One-Pot
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Base
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or neutral oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 green chilies, minced (optional for heat)
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼–½ tsp chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tsp maple syrup or sugar (balances acidity)
Finishing Touches
- Juice of ½ lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
🔪 Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics
- Heat oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add spices
- Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
- Toast spices for 30–60 seconds to release their aroma.
3. Add main ingredients
- Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
- Add chickpeas.
- Stir to combine.
4. Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add maple syrup to balance acidity if needed.
5. Finish
- Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
6. Serve
- Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or with warm naan.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
🌟 Tips for the Best Coconut Chickpea Curry
- Creamier curry: Use full-fat coconut milk or simmer longer for thicker consistency.
- Extra flavor: Sauté spices in oil until aromatic.
- Meal prep: Flavors improve after a day in the fridge. Reheat gently.
- Optional veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, carrots, or cauliflower for extra nutrition.
🍛 Variations
- Thai-Inspired: Add 1 tbsp red curry paste and 1 tsp lime zest.
- Smoky Chickpea Curry: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke.
- Chunky Veggie Curry: Stir in roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini halfway through simmering.
- Spicy Coconut Curry: Increase green chilies or add ½ tsp cayenne pepper.

