Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk (Printable)

Creamy coconut chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices in under an hour.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base

01 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece ginger, grated

→ Spices

05 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
08 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Main

13 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
14 - 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk, full-fat recommended
15 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
16 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
17 - 2 cups baby spinach
18 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Garnish

19 - Chopped fresh cilantro
20 - Lime wedges

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 - Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release their essential oils.
04 - Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes with juices, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients and distribute spices evenly.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
06 - Uncover the pan and add baby spinach. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
07 - Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder as desired.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Pair with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything simmers in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The spice blend hits that perfect balance between warming and aromatic
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors deepen
02 -
  • Letting the spices toast in oil for that full minute makes the difference between flat and fragrant curry
  • Full fat coconut milk is worth it here because low fat versions can separate or taste thin
  • The curry needs at least fifteen minutes of simmering for the chickpeas to absorb all the spiced flavors
03 -
  • Taste your curry before serving because coconut milk brands vary in sweetness
  • If the sauce is too thin simmer uncovered for the last five minutes
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