Name: 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil; 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups fresh baby spinach or chopped kale; 1 Tbsp. Thai Red Curry Paste; 1 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric; 1 tsp. ground ginger; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp. salt (or more to taste); 1 to 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice to taste; 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups unsweetened almond, cashew, or coconut milk; 2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter; Cooked long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine), quinoa, cauliflower rice, or fresh naan; Finely chopped fresh cilantro; A dollop of yogurt; Pickled shallots

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 63 reviews

If you’re looking to whip up something healthy, flavorful, and completely satisfying in no time, this 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with vibrant colors and layers of fragrant spices, this curry delivers a creamy, comforting experience without any dairy or fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, guaranteed to warm you up and brighten your day with every spoonful. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a nourishing option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden board on a white marbled surface holds multiple small white bowls and dishes with colorful ingredients arranged neatly. The largest bowl, on the right, is filled with light beige chickpeas. Above it, a white bowl contains bright red sliced bell peppers. To the left, a white bowl shows fresh green spinach leaves with smooth texture. Above that is a wooden bowl with finely chopped white onions. Near the bottom left are smaller dishes: one with minced garlic, one with a red paste, and a small glass of creamy white liquid. There is also half a lime and a wooden bowl with powdered spices in warm orange and brown shades. Everything is clear and well-lit, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe leans on simple, wholesome ingredients, each handpicked to build depth in flavor and texture while keeping your cooking process straightforward. From aromatic spices to creamy peanut butter and fresh veggies, every item plays a vital role in crafting this delightful curry.

Extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing with a subtle hint of flavor that complements the curry spices.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a foundational savory layer when finely chopped and gently cooked.
Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a mild sweetness that balances the spicy curry paste.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with a punch of aromatic warmth.
Thai Red Curry Paste: The heart of the curry’s bold, spicy flavor.
Ground turmeric: Offers an earthy depth and gorgeous golden hue to the curry.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the dish.
Black pepper: Lends subtle heat and enhances the other spices.
Fresh baby spinach or chopped kale: Provides vibrant green color and a dose of nutrients that wilt beautifully into the curry.
Chickpeas: The star ingredient, packed with protein and fiber, giving the curry heartiness.
Unsweetened almond, cashew, or coconut milk: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce without dairy.
Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a subtle nutty sweetness that helps balance the spices.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
Fresh lime juice: Brings a lively acidity that brightens and rounds out the curry perfectly.

How to Make 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating your choice of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped yellow onion and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir these around and let them soften over 7 to 8 minutes—they’ll develop a natural sweetness and tender texture that forms the delicious base of your curry.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Once the veggies are softened, add minced garlic, red curry paste, ground turmeric, ginger, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook it until you can smell the spices blossoming, about 2 minutes. This step really wakes up those gorgeous aromatic notes that will carry through the entire dish.

Step 3: Wilt the Greens and Coat the Chickpeas

Next, fold in fresh baby spinach or chopped kale. Watch it wilt down into the curry, adding a lovely burst of color and nutrients. Once the greens have softened, stir in the rinsed chickpeas, making sure they’re all nicely coated in the fragrant spice mixture.

Step 4: Simmer with Creamy Goodness

Pour in your choice of unsweetened plant milk and swirl in creamy peanut butter. Sprinkle in the salt, then bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. This is the magic moment when all flavors deepen and come together beautifully.

Step 5: Brighten and Adjust

Finally, stir in fresh lime juice to add a zesty brightness that balances the richness. Give your curry a taste and tweak the salt if necessary. Now your 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe is ready for serving!

How to Serve 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe

In a white bowl with a spoon inside, there is a colorful layered dish. The bottom layer is dark red quinoa with a grainy texture. On top of it, there are chickpeas mixed with cooked spinach and orange bell pepper strips, all covered in a thick, creamy yellow curry sauce. Dollops of white yogurt sit on one side, topped with thin pink pickled onion rings and small green coriander leaves scattered across. On one side of the bowl, two lime wedges rest against the mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with wooden cutting board and fresh herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take this curry from delicious to dazzling. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds herby freshness, while a dollop of vegan yogurt or a tangy pickled shallot introduces creamy and acidic contrasts that complement the spices wonderfully. Don’t be shy with the garnishes—they truly elevate the dining experience.

Side Dishes

Serve your curry alongside fragrant long-grain white rice like Basmati or Jasmine to soak up all the luscious sauce. For a lower-carb or gluten-free twist, fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice work beautifully as well. Alternatively, warm, soft naan bread is perfect for scooping and makes every bite even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve this curry in individual bowls layered over your choice of grain, then top with colorful garnishes like toasted peanuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes. You can also pack it in vibrant mason jars for a portable lunch option or even stuff into pita pockets with fresh greens for a fun twist. The versatility of this 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe makes it easily adaptable to your mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This curry keeps beautifully for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to mingle, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep it even longer, freeze leftover curry in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. Freezing locks in all the vibrant tastes so you have a quick, wholesome dinner ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions gently in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps rejuvenate that silky texture you loved freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh greens?

Canned spinach is already cooked, so it won’t provide the same fresh texture or vibrant color. Fresh baby spinach or kale is highly recommended for this recipe, but if you must use canned, add it at the end just to warm through.

Is the peanut butter flavor very strong in this curry?

The peanut butter subtly enriches the curry’s creaminess and adds a gentle nutty undertone without overpowering the spices. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal taste or substitute with almond butter if preferred.

Can I make this curry spicier?

Absolutely! To kick up the heat, you can add more red curry paste or include a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili. Start small and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

What can I use instead of Thai Red Curry Paste?

If you don’t have Thai Red Curry Paste, you can substitute with a combination of tomato paste, garlic, ginger, and a mix of your favorite curry spices. However, the unique blend of herbs in the paste adds an authentic depth that’s tough to replicate precisely.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa. Just double-check the curry paste label to be sure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this 30 Minute Vegan Chickpea Curry Recipe that makes it a quick weeknight hit and a comforting staple to keep in your recipe collection. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, layered flavors, and has that perfect creamy-spicy balance that makes you eager for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience this delicious curry magic for yourself!