Thai-Style Curried Chickpeas

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Thai-style curried chickpeas! With the bold flavors of red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and a mix of fresh veggies, this chickpea curry is the real deal. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table!

Looking for a no-fuss, nutrient-dense, and comforting meal? Thai chickpeas are exactly what the doctor ordered! (okay, the food scientist in my case.) This recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.

Whether you’re well-versed in the kitchen or a beginner, this chickpea curry is practically foolproof. Trust me, I’ve tested it quite a few times to ensure it turns out delicious every single time (all in the name of science, of course).

Why you’ll love it

• It’s packed with vegan protein, fiber, and other nutrients from the chickpeas.
• Everything comes together in one pot, making clean-up a total breeze.
• Leftovers are even better, meaning you can make a double or triple batch for grab-and-go lunches all week long!

Here’s Everything You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Thai-style chickpea curry are either pantry staples or easy-to-find veggies!

• Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point, like avocado or grapeseed.
• Flavor Base: All good curries start with a base of fresh garlic and onion! I mean, you can never have enough of this combo, right?
• Veggies: Spinach and red bell peppers add a pop of color and nutrients (like iron and vitamin C). No spinach? Feel free to use kale or Swiss chard!
• Seasonings: Using store-bought Thai red curry paste is super a convenient way to pack a ton of authentic flavors into this chickpea curry. We’ll balance the spice with brown sugar, and we’ll replace typical fish/oyster sauce with salty, umami-rich soy sauce. (Feel free to swap in tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.)
• Canned Items: For the creamiest consistency, use full-fat coconut milk from a can (avoid lite coconut milk or coconut milk in a carton). We’ll also add canned crushed tomatoes and chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans).
• To Serve: Jasmine rice is the perfect companion to soak up all the delicious curry. Find it in the dry grains section near other types of rice or the international food aisle. And don’t forget some cilantro!

This Curry Comes Together In Under 30

You won’t believe how easy these Thai curried chickpeas are to make!

1. Cook the rice in a rice cooker, in an Instant Pot, or on the stovetop.
2. Create the flavor base by cooking the pepper and onion until soft. Add the garlic and red curry paste and cook for another few minutes.
3. Add the fillings (coconut milk, tomatoes, chickpeas, brown sugar, and soy sauce) and let everything simmer.
4. Finish off your Thai curried chickpeas with spinach and cilantro.

Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. As with all curries, the flavors will continue to develop and meld, making it even tastier the next day. (I suggest storing the components separately to prevent the rice from absorbing all the liquid and becoming soggy.)

This curry happens to freeze well, too! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Testing Notes

• If you’re using different vegetables, take note of how long they take to cook. Tougher veggies, like broccoli and carrots, require a longer cooking time. Softer vegetables, like zucchini and baby corn, cook much quicker.
• Dried chickpeas are often a little more affordable than canned chickpeas. Buy them in bulk and cook them yourself!
• If your curry turns out too spicy, balance the heat with extra brown sugar and lime juice (or lemon juice) until it tastes just right.
• To pack in extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon or two of spices like turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper (or just add them to taste).

Pairs Well With

Make your Thai chickpea curry the full meal deal by pairing it with these tasty sides:

• Thai Cucumber Salad for a light and crunchy side that perfectly balances the richness of the curry sauce.
• Garlic Butter Miso Mushrooms to add to the side, making your curry meal even more satisfying and hearty.
• Fresh Vegetable Lettuce Wraps as a refreshing prequel to the main event (with a seriously addicting almond butter sauce!).