Chickpea Curry One-Pot (Printable)

A hearty plant-based curry featuring chickpeas, coconut milk, and warming spices for simple, satisfying meals.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
04 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - 1 medium carrot, diced (optional)

→ Legumes

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, full-fat or light
09 - 1 cup vegetable broth
10 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons curry powder
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
16 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Oil

18 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive oil

→ To Serve

19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Cooked rice or naan (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Stir in curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release aromas.
04 - Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, drained chickpeas, and optional diced carrot. Stir thoroughly.
05 - Bring mixture to simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add chopped spinach and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and sauce thickens.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy with cooked rice or naan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything simmers in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development
  • The coconut milk creates a velvety sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours, not 30 minutes
  • Its one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • Letting the spices toast in the hot oil before adding liquid is the step most people skip, but it's what makes restaurant-style curry at home
  • Full-fat coconut milk creates a luxurious sauce, but if you use light, let it simmer uncovered longer to thicken naturally
  • This curry tastes even better after resting in the fridge overnight, so consider doubling it
03 -
  • If the curry tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar or a splash more coconut milk
  • Make a double batch and freeze portions in individual containers for emergency weeknight dinners
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