20-Minute Chickpea Curry
This chickpea curry is built around pantry ingredients that already have most of the work done. Canned chickpeas only need time to absorb the spices, while coconut milk turns the tomato-and-aromatic base into a creamy sauce almost immediately.
The curry becomes more flavorful if the spices are allowed to bloom briefly in the pan before the liquid is added. From there, it only needs a short simmer. Serve it with rice, flatbread or a spoonful of yogurt, depending on how rich you want the meal to feel.
A Fast Curry Built on Pantry Ingredients
- Canned chickpeas make the recipe fast without sacrificing texture.
- Blooming the spices first creates a more aromatic sauce.
- Coconut milk provides creaminess without dairy.
- Spinach, cauliflower or peas can be added without changing the basic method.
20-Minute Chickpea Curry
This 20-minute chickpea curry uses canned chickpeas and coconut milk for a fast pantry dinner. It is creamy, filling and easy to adjust with extra vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1.5 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cans chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 can light coconut milk 14 oz / 400 ml
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes 240 ml
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Lime and cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil and soften onion.
- Add garlic, ginger, curry powder and cumin; cook 30 seconds.
- Add chickpeas, coconut milk, tomatoes and salt.
- Simmer 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Finish with lime and cilantro.
Notes
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.
The Part of the Method I Would Not Rush
- Toast the spices briefly.
- Rinse canned chickpeas.
- Simmer uncovered for a thicker curry.
- Add spinach only at the end.
Serving Chickpea Curry Without Overcomplicating It
- Basmati rice
- Naan
- Quinoa
- Cucumber salad
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Two Things People Usually Wonder About
Can I use full-fat coconut milk?
Yes, for a richer curry.
Can I add vegetables?
Bell pepper, peas, cauliflower and spinach all work.
Is this an authentic Indian curry?
It is an Indian-inspired quick curry designed for convenience rather than a regional traditional recipe.
