Feeling like a fancy yet simple plant-based dinner? You can make this Easy Chickpea Curry in less than 30 minutes, plus it is dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and egg-free. This healthy meal is also very high in protein and you can adapt it to your preferences!

Whether it is just for yourself, for a gathering event, or for a family dinner, a curry always is the perfect go-to meal that both vegans and meat-eaters can enjoy together!

I often make curries when I have guests over or when I fancy making something original and tasty. Because let’s be honest; veggies are amazing but sometimes you want something more tempting, more pleasant, with much more flavours and a super creamy texture.

I learned to make Chickpea Curry from the influence of my partner’s Punjab family, who accustomed me to the delectable taste of this delicate meal.

I have to admit, I got addicted to it. Which is why I have been working on my own Chickpea Curry recipe.

So here it is, the best version of a Chickpea Curry you can find online.

Click the button below to jump to the recipe or keep reading for more info on this meal and its substitutes.

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This recipe is:

-Gluten-free

-Super creamy

-Vegan

-High in protein

-Easy to make

-Free from any refined ingredient

-And you can make it in less than 30 minutes!

WHAT IS CHICKPEA CURRY?

Also known as Punjabi Chole, Chickpea Curry is a traditional Indian and Pakistani dish. If you usually eat a lot of meat, Chickpea Curry definitely is a good way to include more diversity in your diet without missing out on taste and pleasure.

IS CHICKPEA CURRY HEALTHY?

This meal is one of the healthiest you can have. It contains lentils, chickpeas, tomato paste, coriander and more, and is therefore PACKED with vitamins and nutrients.

This recipe also includes turmeric, lemon, garlic cloves, and ginger, which all have awesome anti-inflammatory properties.

IS THIS RECIPE VEGAN?

Some recipes include ghee in their Chickpea Curry. Ghee is made with butter and is therefore not vegan. But the good news is, this recipe is naturally 100% vegan!

HOW MUCH PROTEIN IS IN CHICKPEA CURRY?

This recipe contains 17g of protein per small serving. But if your serving looks like mine (aka 2 servings), you will easily reach over 30g of protein with only the Chickpea Curry in your plate!

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKPEA CURRY?

I love to have my Chickpea Curry with white rice as it is an easy side dish to make.

If you want to try the traditional way, I would definitely recommend you having your Chickpea Curry with chapatis (also called roti, chapatis are Indian flatbreads). Here is a chapati recipe I like.

Otherwise, your options on what to serve with Chickpea Curry are endless. You can serve Chickpea Curry by itself, with basmati or cauliflower rice, with quinoa, with couscous, with bread… or really with anything you fancy!

HOW TO THICKEN CHICKPEA CURRY?

This recipe is already relatively thick and creamy as it contains red lentils. However, for an even thicker curry, you can add one to two tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture.

If you choose this option, add the cornstarch with the red lentils in the first step of the Chickpea Curry recipe instructions. It will affect the final texture but will not affect the final taste.

Using coconut milk is also a good way of thickening Chickpea Curry. Click here for a coconut chickpea curry recipe.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKPEA CURRY?

Good question. Making Chickpea Curry is actually as simple as throwing some lentils and spices together in a saucepan while cooking onions, garlic, and ginger in another pan.

It will only require 30 minutes of your time, that will definitely be worth it once you try this Chickpea Curry.

Click here for a One-Pan Chickpea Curry recipe.

CAN CHICKPEA CURRY BE FROZEN?

Yes, it can, as much as you want and for up to 3 months! I would recommend freezing your curry in meal-sized amounts in separate containers to make it easier when you want to use it.

Then all you will have to do is to pop one container out of the freezer, heat it up in the microwave and your meal is served!

Check out this Coconut Red Lentil Dhal for another awesome Indian recipe that can be frozen!

CHICKPEA CURRY FOR ONE

Even if it is just for yourself, I would recommend making this recipe as given since you can freeze it (see note above). You can eat your portion size and freeze up to 7 other portions to enjoy anytime you desire!

However, if for any reason you do not want to freeze your curry, you can divide the number of each ingredient of this recipe by two and store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days in closed containers.

HOW MANY CALORIES IN CURRY AND RICE?

There are about 345 calories in one serving of Chickpea Curry, and about 130 calories in one serving of white rice (100 g). A serving of Chickpea Curry and rice will, therefore, contain about 475 calories which is a good number to feel perfectly full, satisfied and energised.

CHICKPEA CURRY FOR TODDLERS

Curries are perfect for toddlers as they have a creamy texture that is easy to chew, and a delicious taste that can be accompanied by anything.

If you are making this recipe for toddlers or babies, make sure the chickpeas you are using are well cooked, very soft and do not use any chilli powder to avoid the curry being too spicy.

HOW TO COOK CHICKPEAS?

I personally steam the chickpeas twice in a rice cooker. Here is the link to the rice cooker I use and absolutely love. It has made my life easier for over 3 years and I have never had any problem with it.

To cook your chickpeas, you can also use a pressure cooker, boil them in a saucepan, or buy your chickpeas in cans if it is more convenient for you. Canned chickpeas are a good and easy alternative as they are usually really soft.

SUBSTITUTIONS

For a creamiest curry, you can use coconut milk instead of water.

If you want to add vegetables or legumes into your curry, spinach, potatoes, and aubergine go very well with this recipe, but you can really add any vegetables you like!

To make this recipe onion-free, I would recommend using 4 garlic cloves instead of 3. Keep in mind it will affect the final flavour.

You can also make this recipe oil-free by using a splash of water instead of olive oil. This will reduce the number of calories of the recipe without significantly affecting the final flavour. If you use water instead of oil, add more water as you cook if onions start sticking to the pan. Keep in mind it will also slightly affect the final flavour.

Check out this Spicy Potato Chips recipe or this delicious Coconut Red Lentil Dhal recipe for similar oil-free dinner recipes!

PRINT, PIN, OR BOOKMARK THIS RECIPE!

Make sure you bookmark (or pin) this recipe, so whenever you need inspiration for dinner or for a gathering event, you can find this recipe and make everyone happy!

You can also tag me on Instagram @thedorkyfrench for a chance to be featured!

For other delicious dinner ideas, check out this Spicy Potato Chips recipe, or again this delicious Coconut Red Lentil Dhal recipe. Both of these recipes are oil-free, gluten-free, and surprisingly really easy to make!

Enough reading, now let’s get to cooking!

RECIPE IN VIDEO (1MIN):

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Please note that all nutrition facts and information found on this website are for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor nor registered nutritionist, so please refer to a professional for medical advice.

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