Skip to Content

Vegan Chickpea Curry

If you’re looking for a simple vegan chickpea curry this is the perfect recipe. Chickpeas combined with onion, garlic, red curry paste, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spinach. A hearty vegan dish perfect for cold winter nights.

Vegan Chickpea Curry in a bowl.

While I’m not vegan in my lifestyle I still love a good meatless meal!

That’s why I wanted to come up with a hearty vegan dish that is perfect for cold weather months.

This vegan chickpea curry is just that! It not only includes my favorite bean but it also packs some serious flavor with the addition of onion, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, coconut milk, and spinach.

It’s a simple dish to throw together and ready in just 25 minutes!

I typically eat mine plain but it’s great spooned over rice as well.

I also love to sprinkle it with a little chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added fresh flavor.

Vegan Chickpea Curry in a skillet.

Ingredients for vegan chickpea curry

  • Olive oil – This helps the vegetables brown without burning or sticking to the post. If you don’t have olive oil on hand feel free to use whatever neutral oil you have in the pantry. Although not neutral, if you’re looking to add more coocnut flavor, coconut oil is also a great option.
  • Yellow onion – Onion is a classic curry ingredient. I went with yellow onion but both sweet onion and red onion would work well here too.
  • Garlic – Use a little or a lot but just don’t skip the garlic! It brings a depth of flavor expected in curry.
  • Ginger – I personally think fresh grated ginger is best here. I adore ginger and it’s a classic curry flavor.
  • Red curry paste – You can find red curry paste in most any grocery store. It’s a delicious combination of red chilies, cilantro, shrimp paste, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots and galangal.
  • Fire roasted diced tomatoes – I love using fire roasted tomatoes because it adds a depth of flavor that works really well here. Regular diced tomatoes will work well here too.
  • Full fat coconut milk – I like to use full fat coconut milk because it adds creaminess and flavor to the curry.
  • Chickpeas – This is the star bean of the dish! Make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding.
  • Baby spinach – This helps add a bit of freshness and color to the curry. But, you could add in almost any vegetable you like! Broccoli, snap peas, and asparagus wouldn’t be traditional but they would be delicious! 
A hand taking a bite of Vegan Chickpea Curry out of the bowl.

Can I add meat to this curry?

Yes, but it would make this dish not vegan or vegetarian.

If you want to keep it vegan try adding in some tofu.

What is red curry paste?

Red curry paste is a delicious combination of red chilies, cilantro, shrimp paste, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, shallots, and galangal.

It’s very fragrant and can be spicy depending on what brand you buy.

If you like it extra spicy you can add diced Thai chilis or drizzle in a few squirts of sriracha.

Where can I find red curry paste?

You can find red curry paste in most Asian or International sections of the grocery stores.

I find it fairly easy to find in most US grocery stores.

If you can’t find it in the store you can always order it online.

My favorite red curry paste is the brand Maesri.

Vegan Chickpea Curry served with cilantro.

How do I store leftover chickpea curry?

I store my chickpea curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Vegan Chickpea Curry served in a bowl with cilantro and lime.

Do you love this vegan chickpea curry?

Why not try a few of my other delicious easy weeknight recipes?

Vegan Chickpea Curry

Author: Brandy O’Neill – Nutmeg Nanny
If you're looking for a simple vegan chickpea curry this is the perfect recipe. Chickpeas combined with onion, garlic, red curry paste, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spinach. A hearty vegan dish perfect for cold winter nights.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 15.5 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 5 ounces baby spinach roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once the oil is fragrant, add the onion and season with a small pinch of salt. 
  • Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until it is soft and translucent. 
  • Add the garlic, ginger, and curry paste and stir. Cook for an additional minute. 
  • Next add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chickpeas. Stir to combine. 
  • Bring the curry to a simmer and then add the spinach. Stir until the spinach has wilted– about 2 minutes. 
  • (Optional) If you prefer a thicker curry, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add it to the curry and stir. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. 
  • Serve over basmati rice, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro. 
  • Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 656mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword 20 minute meal, 30 minute meal, bean curry, chickpea curry, chickpea red curry, easy dinner, fast dinner, red curry, Vegan Chickpea Curry, vegan curry, vegetarian curry
Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and 5 star review!
Vegan Chickpea Curry visual pin for Pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

Recipe Rating




Shadi Hasanzadenemati

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!

SEEN ON

as seen on promo graphic

SEEN ON

as seen on promo graphic