Description
Indian Butter Chickpeas is a rich, creamy, and flavorful vegan dish that captures the essence of butter chicken using chickpeas instead of meat. It features a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce that's both comforting and nourishing.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegan butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) full-fat coconut milk
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon maple syrup or sugar
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne. Stir to coat the onion mixture.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add coconut milk, chickpeas, maple syrup, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and chickpeas are tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Use white beans or lentils instead of chickpeas for variation.
Light coconut milk can be used for a lower-fat version.
Add spinach or green peas for extra veggies.
Increase cayenne or add green chili for more heat.
Blend part of the sauce before adding chickpeas for a creamier texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
