Vegan Chickpea Curry Oil Free Recipe: 5 Flavorful Secrets

Let me tell you, this vegan chickpea curry is an absolute game changer! It’s so simple to whip up, and the flavors? Wow, just wow! I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet nourishing. I was blown away by how just a handful of ingredients could create such a hearty, comforting dish. Plus, it’s oil-free, which means I can indulge without any guilt! The creamy coconut milk combined with the spices creates a warm hug in a bowl, and the chickpeas pack a protein punch. Seriously, if you’re looking for a healthy, vibrant meal that’s bursting with flavor, this curry is it. You’ll want to make it on repeat!

vegan chickpea curry oil free recipe - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your delicious vegan chickpea curry! Trust me, you won’t need anything fancy here, just good quality staples that bring out the best flavors.

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed—this is where the protein magic happens!
  • 1 onion, chopped—adds a savory base to your curry.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced—because who can resist the aroma of garlic?
  • 1-inch ginger, grated—this gives the curry a nice zing!
  • 1 can coconut milk—oh, the creaminess!
  • 1 can diced tomatoes—adds depth and a splash of color.
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped—let’s sneak in some greens!
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder—this is where the magic flavor comes from.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin—adds a warm, earthy note.
  • Salt to taste—just enough to enhance all those flavors!
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish—totally optional, but it brightens everything up!

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a vibrant and satisfying dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Prepare the Vegan Chickpea Curry Oil Free Recipe

Let’s get cooking! This vegan chickpea curry is not only easy to make, but it also comes together in no time. Follow my steps, and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful dish ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. First, grab a medium pot and heat it over medium heat. Add your chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes until the onions are nice and soft. You’ll love the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
  2. Next, sprinkle in the curry powder and cumin. Stir these spices for about a minute to release their flavors. Careful not to let them burn, as we want to keep all that wonderful taste intact!
  3. Now it’s time to add the star of the show—your chickpeas! Toss them in along with the coconut milk and diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
  4. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. You might want to give it a stir occasionally, just to keep things nice and even.
  5. Once the time’s up, fold in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until it wilts down. Oh, the color is just gorgeous!
  6. Finally, season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. And there you have it—a delicious, oil-free chickpea curry that’s ready to be devoured!

Make sure to serve this curry warm, maybe alongside some fluffy rice or your favorite bread. You’re going to love how comforting and satisfying this dish is!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers! This vegan chickpea curry is not just delicious but also packed with good-for-you nutrients. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying choice for any meal. You’ll get around 10g of fat, with 4g being saturated fat, and a hearty 12g of protein! Plus, it has about 30g of carbs and a generous 10g of fiber to keep you feeling full and energized. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of the wholesome goodness in this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chickpea Curry Oil Free Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Oil-free, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
  • Packed with protein from chickpeas and loaded with fiber.
  • Rich, creamy texture from coconut milk without the heaviness of oil.
  • Vibrant flavors from spices that bring warmth and comfort to your table.
  • Customizable—adjust the spices and veggies to your liking!

This curry is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special!

Tips for Success

To truly nail this vegan chickpea curry, here are a few tips that I swear by! First off, don’t be shy with the spices—if you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. Just start with a little and adjust to your taste. Also, if you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can substitute it with vegetable broth for a lighter version, though the creaminess will be different.

Another tip is to sauté your onions, garlic, and ginger until they’re golden brown for extra flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! And don’t skip the simmering step; it’s essential for letting all those delicious flavors meld together. Lastly, if you have leftovers, they can actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations

One of the best things about this vegan chickpea curry is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. For a twist, try adding in some diced sweet potatoes or carrots for a touch of sweetness and extra texture. If you’re a fan of heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up!

Feel free to experiment with different veggies too—bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower would work wonderfully. And if you’re looking to mix up the flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of turmeric for an earthy note or a splash of lime juice for brightness. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This vegan chickpea curry stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it even after the first delicious meal. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is a breeze! Simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you find it’s a bit thick after sitting in the fridge, feel free to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes, but I recommend checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Enjoy every last bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this vegan chickpea curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! This curry is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors deepen overnight in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy!

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to soak and cook them beforehand. It’ll take a bit more time, but they’ll work just as well in this recipe. You’ll also want to increase the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.

Is this chickpea curry gluten-free?
Yes! This vegan chickpea curry is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check the labels on your spices to be sure!

How can I adjust the spice level?
If you like it spicy, feel free to add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. Start with a little, taste, and adjust until it’s just right for you. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of curry powder.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! This vegan chickpea curry freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

Print
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vegan chickpea curry oil free recipe

Vegan Chickpea Curry Oil Free Recipe: 5 Flavorful Secrets

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This is a simple vegan chickpea curry that is oil-free and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft.
  2. Add curry powder and cumin, stirring for 1 minute.
  3. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
  4. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

  • Serve with rice or bread.
  • Adjust spices based on your preference.
  • This curry can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan chickpea curry, oil free curry, healthy chickpea recipe

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